Around 800 significant attacks had been thwarted since the war erupted
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Having fun and celebrating life was the order of the day at the UAE Relay for Life 24-hour walkathon, the first ever event held in the MENA region.
The event, which started at 4pm on Friday and ran overnight Saturday, raised awareness and funds for the fight against cancer through a continuous walk around the athletics track at American University of Sharjah (AUS).
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 support from 52 schools, six universities, eight partners, 37 government and private institutions, and 67 cancer survivors.
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.
Adults could sweat it out at the boot camp and with the power stretching, Zumba and core express exercises on offer, or take more relaxed options with spinning classes, Pilates and yoga.
However, a period of quiet reflection created a temporary pause in the fun and laughter, during the Relay for Life Luminaria ceremony, a special observance commemorated loved ones lost to cancer as well as honoured those who have survived the disease. It was the major activity during the day-long cancer awareness programme.
Cancer survivors, caregivers and others touched by the disease were asked to stand in turn, with each group receiving applause. Illuminated candles were then placed around the track perimeter, each one in memory of a loved one who had died from the disease or to celebrate someone who had defeated it.
It culminated in a Luminaria lap of honour from the participants.
Around 800 significant attacks had been thwarted since the war erupted
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