Over 2,000 participants make the most of entertainment activities on offer at sidelines of MENA region's first ever event

Sharjah - Having fun and celebrating life was the order of the day at the UAE Relay for Life 24-hour walkathon, the first ever event to be held in the MENA region. Commencing 4pm on Friday and running overnight until the same time yesterday, the serious business of raising awareness and funds for the fight against cancer through a continuous walk around the athletics track at American University of Sharjah went hand-in-hand with an array of entertainment and activities taking place on its sidelines.

Organised by Friends of Cancer Patients (FoCP), the non-profit organisation that supports cancer patients and their families, the inaugural event attracted the participation of more than 2,000 ‘relayers,’ with the individuals and institutions taking part including 52 schools, six universities, eight partners, 37 government and private institutions, and 67 cancer survivors.

With the object of the walkathon being one of fun and laughter in a carnival atmosphere, Relay for Life had arranged for numerous activities to take place around the track, enabling those taking a break from their walk - as well as the supporters not participating directly - to enjoy a wealth of entertainment.

Over 40 activities were held around the clock during Relay for Life, including live band and DJ performances, comedy acts, poetry readings and storytelling sessions. There was American football, golf, bubble soccer and jousting, while the most junior members of the family enjoyed bouncy castles, games, arts and crafts sessions, face-painting, movies and a soft play area. Energetic adults were able to work up a sweat and stave off tiredness at the boot camp and with the power stretching, Zumba and core express exercises on offer, while those wanting a more relaxed form of working out could make the most of spinning classes, Pilates and yoga.

Enjoying the soft play area and in particular a giant inflatable cushion called ‘The Gauntlet’ that had children running across it and trying to avoid the depressions in the fabric that would otherwise trip them up was Arsh Shifaz, aged 8 years and a pupil of The Oxford School Dubai.

“I’m here with my uncle and aunt – it’s brilliant! I’m not sure if we will be staying through the night but I want to be here as long as possible because it’s really great fun,” said Arsh, who was sporting a freshly-painted face.

Making the most of the human hamster balls on a football pitch at the side of the athletics track, which saw children climbing into the inflatable bubbles and being rolled around by FoCP volunteers, was Arwen Deguzman, aged 11 and a pupil at The Philippine School Dubai. 

“I’m here with my mum, dad and two sisters. These balls and the bouncy palace are the best things! I hope we don’t have to go home yet because me and my sisters are really enjoying the kids’ play area,” said Arwen.

Keeping the relayers entertained from the main stage was Rory Sarkis, guitar player and singer. The musician, who explained that he took his inspiration from a variety of other styles, was one of an array of artists taking part through The Sound Gaarden, a discovery and hiring platform for local artists in Dubai.

“I’m really big on acoustic music, Indian music and blues. I write my own songs and also play the harmonica. I jumped at the chance to perform at this event as it is for such a good cause. There are multiple artists who are playing here, all of whom have been booked through The Sound Gaarden, with each of us on for 45 minutes each. I wish the organisers every success with this fantastic initiative,” said Rory.   

The fun wasn’t just restricted to the sideline activities at UAE Relay for Life either, as the journey around the track had been designed to involve so much more than mere perambulation. For each hour of the 24 hours of the event there was a dedicated lap with a different theme. Included were the ‘make a new friend lap,’ a ‘sing-along lap,’ a ‘movement lap,’ a ‘casual lap,’ a ‘tutu lap,’ a ‘glow lap,’ a ‘superhero lap,’ a ‘conga lap,’ a ‘wake up lap,’ a ‘three-legged lap,’ a ‘kids’ lap,’ a ‘family lap,’ a ‘silly hat lap,’ a ‘make some noise lap,’ a ‘selfie lap,’ a ‘fancy dress lap,’ a ‘crazy hair lap’ and – as a grand finale at 3pm yesterday - a ‘fight back lap.’

Relay for Life was conceived in 1985 when colorectal surgeon Dr. Gordon Klatt in the USA successfully raised $27,000 for his local cancer charity. Since then, it has gone on to become the largest fundraising event for cancer in the world. Relay for Life has to date raised more than $5 billion (AED18.3 billion) in support of cancer patients worldwide, with the event now taking place in 29 countries.

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© Press Release 2017