Locals paint the streets pink for awareness
As part of the event, the monetary donations were collected on behalf of the Wings of Hope Cancer Support which is non-profit organisation founded in 2012 by cancer survivors.
The Orlando Athletics Club proudly held their annual Race Against Cancer aimed at raising awareness against cancer and showing support to cancer survivors on June 24.
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The race which started at the Orlando Communal Hall saw a number of local residents and those from other areas dressed in their pink and white regalia in support to those fighting cancer as well as to honour those who lost their lives to the disease.
Runners had an opportunity to choose from three distances being the 5km, 10km and the 21km.
During the race, they were able to pass through Soweto’s historic sites such as the Mandela House at Vilakazi Street.
A report published by CANSA states that the top five invasive cancers reported in South Africa include Prostate, Colorectal, Lung, Non-Hodgkin’s and Melanoma cancer in males and Breast, Cervical, Colorectal, Uterus and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in females.
According to the chairperson of the Orlando Athletics Club, Johannes Mashigo, the Race Against Cancer is committed to making a difference in the lives of those affected by the deadly disease.
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As part of the event, the monetary donations were collected on behalf of the Wings of Hope Cancer Support which is non-profit organisation founded in 2012 by cancer survivors.
“Our race took place two weeks after the comrades marathons held in Durban and for that we are really proud and we are also grateful to organisations such as the Wings of Hope Cancer Support for providing guidance, empathy and creating friendship to cancer patients and their friends and families through their workshops and awareness campaigns also aimed at educating the public,” Mashigo said.
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He added that other organisations and businesses also came on board to help support the initiative, including Viatality, Toyota Soweto, the City of Johannesburg, Gauteng Central Athletics and Jozi FM.
“The fight against cancer is for us all and it is our responsibility as communities to advocate and help erase the stigma against the disease,” added Mashigo.
Attendees also had an opportunity to witness artistic performances from local groups and were crowned with medals for their participation.
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