Relay For Life inspires hope among cancer survivors

Mark your calendars for January 25–26, 2025, as the Relay For Life (RFL) returns to Sharjah for its fourth Middle East edition at the American University of Sharjah (AUS).

Organised by Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP) in collaboration with the American Cancer Society, every lap walked and donation made contributes to providing support for cancer patients and their families.

Featuring six dedicated zones filled with activities designed to engage participants of all ages, the zones at this year’s Relay For Life collectively create an immersive experience that promises meaningful moments, vibrant community spirit, and unforgettable fun for everyone involved.

The Main Stage Zone: The Main Stage Zone will host activities that bring people together to inspire and heal. An official Opening Ceremony will set the tone for this remarkable 24-hour journey, followed by activities, performances and Q&A games with gifts organised by the Sharjah Police.

There will also be multiple yoga sessions as well as sound healing sessions that provide moments of calm and renewal, making the zone a hub of positivity.

During the evening, a deeply moving Luminaria Ceremony will be held with all other activities taking a short pause, creating a shared moment of remembrance and hope as candles are placed to illuminate the track. The final activity in this zone will be the Closing Ceremony, celebrating the collective achievements of the 24-hour initiative.

The Track Zone: The Track Zone serves as the core of this initiative and will offer participants an opportunity to connect, express themselves, and embrace the spirit of Relay For Life through thematic laps. Survivors and caregivers will lead the opening lap, symbolising strength and resilience.

Participants can groove to their favourite songs during the Greatest Hit Lap, while the “Make a Friend” Lap encourages new connections.

As night falls, the Glow Lap will transform the track into a sea of lights with glow sticks and bracelets, and the Noise Maker Lap will fill the air with energetic sounds of drums and applause.

Creativity and fun will shine during the Crazy Hat and Wacky Hair Lap, and the Zumba Lap will invite everyone to dance their way around the track.

General Activities Zone: In the General Activities Zone, attendees can enjoy a variety of classic games and challenges designed for fun and friendly competition. Tug of war, sack races, giant Jenga, foosball, and air hockey will bring laughter and excitement to participants of all ages.

Adults Workshops Zone: Adults looking to explore their creative sides will find plenty to do in the Adults Workshops Zone. Here, they can try their hand at accessories making, create beautiful artwork through canvas painting, or craft intricate designs in the mosaic jar workshop.

Meanwhile, children will have their imagination sparked in the Kids Workshops Zone, with activities such as arts and crafts, hair braiding, nail art design, glitter tattoos, and face painting ensuring a day full of joy and creativity.

Kids Play Area Zone: The Kids Play Area Zone will be a haven for the youngest attendees, featuring bouncy castles and endless opportunities for fun and laughter.