SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE 7 Nov. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Cabildo of Tenerife, via the public enterprise Ideco, has engaged in the social responsibility initiative ‘Dakar for life’, which aims to raise awareness about breast cancer in women through sports and to highlight the lesser-known manifestation of this illness when it occurs in men.
The truck adorned in pink, driven by the Canarian athlete Rafael Lesmes, who is set to compete in the Dakar 2025 from January 3 to 17, was unveiled this Thursday in the Plaza del Cabildo during an event that saw the attendance of the Vice President and Minister of Tourism of the Cabildo, Lope Afonso; the Minister of Sports, Yolanda Moliné; the Minister of Social Action, Águeda Fumero; the President of the Canarian Carrera por la Vida Foundation, Brigitte Gypen, along with the CEO of Ideco, Manuel Gómez.
The Plaza del Cabildo de Tenerife marked the inaugural official stop for the ‘Pink Elephant’, following its triumph at the ‘Dakar Classic 2024’.
Lope Afonso remarked that “with this initiative, the aspirations of the Cabildo of Tenerife to actively participate and take a leading role in promoting these values and combating breast cancer in both women and men, as well as any other socially alarming issues, are being realised.”
He further added, “sport possesses the ability to convey these values beyond our shores, without compromising our island’s prominent role in promoting a global event that will generate thousands of communication impacts and enhance the visibility of Tenerife; it is truly commendable that this project will be represented.”
Yolanda Moliné affirmed that this project receives support because “sport once again proves to be a universal language, encompassing not just training, education, and competition, but also social action.”
She opined, “we could not let this opportunity pass to raise awareness through sport, spotlighting breast cancer in both women and men. Tenerife will be showcased with the ‘Pink Elephant’.”
Águeda Fumero highlighted that for the Social Action wing of the Cabildo, this venture allows for “visibility” of the ongoing efforts in collaboration with third sector entities like the ‘Fundación Canaria Carrera por la Vida’, which anticipates joining the Insular Ring of Social Policies next year. “Kudos to the entire team and the sponsors,” she noted.
Rafael Lemes expressed that “the entire team feels immensely honoured and proud to don the colours of Tenerife.”
“I can only extend my gratitude for this opportunity. The promotion in the countries that send tourists to Tenerife is more than justified. This effort is dedicated to the patients and volunteers, aiming to raise awareness about breast cancer affecting both women and men,” he emphasised.
Brigitte Gypen remarked that the foundation works year-round to enhance the quality of life for breast cancer patients and their families.
AWARENESS
“Raising awareness about this disease is crucial. We are joining this significant project that will transcend the borders of Spain. It is an extraordinary achievement and a wonderful gift for all of us,” she stated.
The Spanish team, consisting of Rafa Lesmes, Tabatha Romón, and Albert Casabona, alongside the Carrera por la Vida Foundation, aims to replicate last year’s success in the upcoming Dakar edition, where their truck, affectionately called the ‘Elefante desert rose’ by fans, achieved the remarkable feat of claiming the top position in the ‘Classic Trucks’ category and finishing ninth overall.
Breast cancer predominantly affects women, impacting the lives of those diagnosed and their loved ones.
Despite its considerable prevalence among women, approximately 2% of men are also afflicted by the disease, a fact that remains largely overlooked, as highlighted by the Cabildo.
Male breast cancer is a largely hidden reality, with most cases diagnosed at advanced stages.
Sports have emerged as an ideal medium for promoting awareness about early detection.
‘DAKAR FOR LIFE’, in its most expansive iteration, has continued to expand, surpassing all expectations, with messages from this truck reaching over 27 countries, accumulating more than 300,000 mailing subscribers, and achieving a total of 751,714 impacts—an increase of 72% compared to the inaugural edition.
