Relay For Life is an inspiring community event that gives everyone a chance to celebrate cancer survivors and carers; remember loved ones lost to cancer; and fight back by raising awareness and funds to support the work of the Cancer Society. Relay For Life is for people of all ages and fitness levels - anyone can take part! Relay For Life begins with a moving Opening Ceremony, with cancer survivors and carers leading the first lap of the event. Next, team members take to the track. Most walk, while some prefer to jog or run. When they're not on the track, teams enjoy a festive, family-friendly environment with heaps of activities and entertainment. Later in the evening, a Candlelight Ceremony is held to remember love ones affected by cancer. Personally-inscribed candle bags are placed around the track, and their light emits a warm glow throughout Relay venue. Team members continue to walk or jog through the night. In the morning, teams come together for an inspiring Closing Ceremony. Why is Relay For Life held overnight? Team members walk and jog through the night, symbolising the fact that cancer never sleeps. However, people taking part may come and go as they like. When and where are Relays held? Relay For Life events are usually held on weekends throughout the summer and early autumn months. While most Relay For Life events are held at local parks and reserves, some take place at universities, schools, jails and on corporate campuses. (In 2014, staff at New Zealand’s Scott Base will hold a Relay For Life in Antarctica!)
Relay For Life in New Zealand
The Cancer Society’s first Relay For Life was held in Palmerston North in 2001. It was a great success, and other communities around the country soon followed. Year after year, people of all ages and backgrounds take part in Relay For Life. Teams come from local businesses, clubs, families/whānau, friends, hospitals, marae, schools, churches and service organisations. Relay For Life across the globe (1985-2014)
Relay For Life began in 1985, when Dr Gordy Klatt of Tacoma, Washington completed a 24-hour walk/run in recognition of all those affected by cancer. He asked friends and family to walk/run with him and to make a donation to the American Cancer Society. As he circled the track, Dr Klatt thought about how other people could take part. Months later he and friend Pat Flynn organised a volunteer committee to plan the first Relay For Life event. In 1986, 19 teams took part, and an indescribable spirit filled the stadium as teams walked and ran through the night. Since then, Relay For Life has grown into a global movement. In the year ahead, over four million people will take part in 6000+ Relay For Life events in the following countries: Australia, Belgium, Bermuda, Canada, Denmark, France, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Ireland, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Luxembourg, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Philippines, Portugal, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States and Zambia.
