Thousands to take to the track for cancer |
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March 28-29, 2009
Cancer survivors, carers and those wanting to play a part in the fight against cancer will take to the track at Perry Lakes this weekend for the Cancer Council Western Australia’s Relay For Life.
Around 170 teams of 10-15 people will set up camp at Perry Lakes for the weekend as they raise funds for the Cancer Council to aid cancer research, cancer prevention and education and provide support services for cancer patients and their families.
Relay For Life, over March 28-29, is a 24 hour event in which teams keep their baton going around the track throughout the night and the weekend.
Perry Lakes will be transformed into a small city as teams pitch their tents and get into some serious fun. It’s a colourful sight with many teams adopting a theme and dressing up and decorating their campsites. Singers, bands and celebrity appearances keep the participants entertained throughout the event.
Cancer survivors and carers are honoured in the Survivor’s Walk; the first lap of Relay on Saturday (3pm). Cancer survivors wearing red sashes and carers wearing green sashes will lap the stadium before being joined on the track by all of the teams in full fancy dress.
At nightfall (8pm) the poignant and moving candlelight ceremony will begin. The word ‘HOPE’ is spelt out in candles in the stands of Perry Lakes and people around the track also light candles to remember those lost to cancer or to celebrate survival.
Relay for Life has been held at Perry Lakes since the event began in WA in 2001. This will be the last year the event will be held at the venue and the last event to be held before the gates are closed on a piece of WA sporting history.
Next year Relay For Life will be held at the new athletics venue.
Where: Perry Lakes Stadium
When: 3pm Saturday March 28 to 2pm Sunday March 29
(2pm close due to end of daylight saving)
Highlights: Saturday
3pm Survivor’s Walk
8pm Candleight Ceremony
Sunday
1.50pm Final team laps and closing ceremony
