CANSA Relay For Life Vaal Triangle 2014
The 5th annual CANSA Relay For Life Vaal Triangle was hosted at the North-West University Vaal Triangle Campus on the night of the 15th of February 2014. Starting at 18:00 the Saturday evening the Vaal Relayed till 06:00 Sunday morning the 16th of February 2014.
With roughly 8 000 attendees, it was the biggest and most memorable Vaal Triangle Relay For Life up to date. The event grew from 39 registered teams in 2009 to a staggering 160 registered teams this year.
For the opening, Caring Friends Therapy Dogs did a routine, followed by a short welcome by Riana Oosthuizen from CANSA and the Professor Thanyani Mariba, the dean of the North-West University Vaal Triangle Campus. Getting ready for the survivors lap, the very young and beautiful drum majorettes from Tjokkerland showed what they are made off.
Harley Davidson’s announced the opening of the survivors and care givers lap. Giving survivors the opportunity to get on the back of a Harley and for some fulfilling a lifelong dream.
The luminaria ceremony was a memorable one during which everyone remembered those loved once lost to the decease. All decorated luminaria bags was place around the track with a candle that was lit in memory of a loved one. Following the luminaria ceremony, part 1 of the Fight Back ceremony commenced with a fire dancer doing a powerful routine and in the process setting alight the word cancer- showing no mercy to this dreadful decease.
During the course of the evening there were lots of fun things happening on and off the track. Events like boeresport, the “human board game” (health questions), aerobics, line dancing, paintball and a drag lap ensured that all were entertained. If that was not enough the entertainment on the stage kept us moving all throughout the night. Entertainers to the likes of Jenifer Jones, Juan Boucher, Freddie Nest and Chrizaan ensured that young and old could sing along.
Teams showed their support for the cause by means of printed t-shirts, banners, health slogans and great spirits.
Teams went all out with fundraising towards CANSA. Some teams hosted events before hand, got sponsors or did their team fundraising onsite. Funds raised will be put back into the Vaal Triangle community through support, education and research. CANSA strive for a cancer smart South Africa and thus is it very important for us to reach the community through talks at schools, church group meetings, work places ect. Support is given to cancer patients and their families trough support groups, home visits, wound care, counselling, medical equipment and screenings.
Should you wish to find out more on the services and support or to become a volunteer contact the CANSA Vaal Triangle office on: 016 423 3506.