HUNDREDS OF RESIDENTS LINE UP FOR SCREENINGS
Good turnout recorded in first two days of the Pink Caravan Ride
Crowds of volunteers and supporters warmly welcomed the pink knights on Sunday as their horses trotted from the Ajman Municipality to their three stops in the emirate. Happily smiling, the Pink Caravan’s riders — comprising men and women, locals and expatriates, old and young — waved to the people along their route.
The caravan, which also included a number of bright pink SUVs, headed to Ajman Marsa, then to a sand area opposite Ajman Fish Market, and ended at the Sheikh Khalifa Hospital.
From 10am to 6pm, hundreds were screened for free at the mobile clinics that were set up at Ajman University, Al Madinah Health Centre, Ajman Specialty General Hospital, and Al Hamedia Health Centre.
The turnout in the emirate appeared to be just as good as the residents’ participation on the first day of the Pink Caravan Ride (PCR) in Sharjah.
Badr Al Juaidi, manager of the PCR, said they delivered up to 1,750 free check-ups and breast screenings all over Sharjah on Saturday.
“Among the 1,750 people were 166 men and 1,584 women, of which 460 were referred for mammogram and 137 for ultrasound.”
The seven fixed clinics and other mobile clinics began receiving visitors two days before the PCR started, he added.
“The ride is meant to heighten community awareness about the importance of early detection and regular screenings.”
The awareness caravan was led by 15 male and female volunteer riders, who covered a distance of 37km from the Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club to Al Majaz Waterfront.
The first day also saw the participation of four young riders aged 4 to 6, reflecting the campaign’s efforts to involve the nation’s youth in important community activities, Al Juaidi said.
“This year, we are focusing on two main themes in spreading our messages of awareness — the engagement of civil society organisations and highlighting the value of knowledge as a key pillar of our battle against breast cancer.”
The caravan is heading to Dubai today for a two-kilometre ride within Dubai Design District (D3). Entertainment and awareness events are lined up from 10am to 8pm. The PCR will also organise the famous Pink Regatta awareness sail, bringing together breast cancer survivors who will talk about their inspiring journey of overcoming the disease.
Mobile clinics are set up at the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children, Indian International School, D3, and Emirates Transport. These clinics will receive both men and women, and a fixed clinic will be stationed at the Mall of the Emirates.
The PCR’s ninth edition will continue until March 1, travelling around the seven emirates, accompanied by 40 fixed and mobile medical clinics that will offer free early detection screenings and consultations for everyone in the community, Al Juaidi said.
15.8 km
DISTANCE COVERED ON SUNDAY