Sharjah: The Pink Caravan is calling horse riders to join its eighth annual event which will run from February 28 until March 6.
The annual breast cancer awareness initiative that travels around the UAE offering health screening for men and women, is seeking 150 keen equestrians with a spirit of community activism.
The Higher Organising Committee of the Pink Caravan Ride, organised by the Friends of Cancer Patients (FoCP) — a non-profit organisation — said they are encouraging those with a strong sense of civic duty as well good horsemanship skills to apply
Those doing so will need to meet specific participation criteria, with riders required to be over 16 years of age and possessing sufficient equestrian experience.
With the tour around the emirates covering approximately 20km every day over its seven days, the riders will be required to submit to technical and proficiency tests to ensure their fitness to participate. The tests will be conducted under the supervision of a number of experts and professionals in the field of equestrianism.
“The UAE has proud traditions of philanthropy and horsemanship and this is the perfect opportunity for community-minded individuals who want to do something positive for their society to combine both qualities in the forthcoming Pink Caravan Ride,” said Reem BinKaram, Chairperson of PCR Higher Steering Committee.
She said the supporting riders play a pivotal role in the activities of the 10-day journey around the emirates, as they provide the high visibility needed to ensure that the campaign is impactful as it can be.
“As well as being a fun and enjoyable experience, our riders take pride in knowing that they are participating in an important health care initiative that aims to banish the scourge of breast cancer completely from our society,” she said
Last year’s Pink Caravan Ride that took place March from 7 to 17 saw the participation of 150 riders who accompanied the mobile clinics that provided free medical check-ups for residents and citizens during its tour around the UAE.
The ride and its associated activities completed a total of 7,483 clinical examinations over its 10 days, with 6,366 women and 1,117 men undergoing assessment. Included in the medical tests were 2,542 mammograms. Twelve positive cases of breast cancer were detected and the patients referred for treatment, proving the potential life-saving capacity of the campaign.
Male and female riders interested in participating in the eighth edition of the Pink Caravan Ride can register online at: http://www.pinkcaravan.ae/register/index.php.
