Brigitte Gypen, the president of the Race for Life Foundation dedicated to fighting cancer, joined forces with the Minister of Education of the Canary Islands, Poli Suarez, Canarian Dakar rally driver Rafael Lemes, and the regional vice-minister of Sports, Ángel Sabroso, to sign a collaborative agreement in Adeje. This agreement aims to work together in various projects and initiatives, symbolized by the color pink, representing the fight against cancer. The goal is to create synergies particularly in the fields of sports and education.
The signing ceremony took place at the recently inaugurated Pink Room in Adeje, provided by the city council to support women and families affected by breast cancer. This new space reflects the foundation’s growth in recent years, rendering their old headquarters inadequate. The agreement signed signifies a commitment to fostering dialogue between sports and education.
Notably, at the event was Rafael Lemes, the driver of the Elefante Rosa team in the Dakar rally, who competes with a strikingly pink car representing numerous European foundations combating breast cancer. Lemes, the champion of the Dakar Classic in the truck category this year, uses his platform to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and prevention of the disease. The Race for Life Foundation is a key sponsor of his efforts.
Lemes expressed his surprise at the scale his cause has reached, emphasizing the significance of making cancer visible and advocating for support and awareness. Poli Suarez commended Lemes for his dedication, acknowledging his role in highlighting such an important issue. Suarez emphasized the necessity for institutions to provide knowledge and support for breast cancer victims.
Suarez stressed the importance of governmental support for those most in need, urging the extension of the agreement and outlining plans to educate and raise awareness among youth about the disease. He highlighted the need for collaborative programs in educational institutions to promote awareness and understanding.
Further, Ángel Sabroso and Brigitte Gypen emphasised the relevance of sports in their contributions. Gypen noted the essential nature of movement even on challenging days, while Sabroso highlighted the solidarity inherent in sports and its alignment with the foundation’s goals.
