Yesterday, Siam Park witnessed a remarkable event in the Canary Islands: the inaugural solidarity race featuring pink rubber ducks, organised by the Canarian Foundation Carrera for Life. A wave consisting of approximately 4,000 of these delightful figures glided down the lazy river of the water park in a symbolic gesture that united numerous individuals with a shared objective: to support those affected by breast cancer, highlight the significance of early detection, and raise funds for the training of professionals specialising in oncology.
The participants “adopted” these small rubber roses, which have now become symbols of this charitable campaign, having inspired similar initiatives in several European cities.
Each figure was priced at five euros. Over the past four years, around 70,000 rosa pattitos have been adopted, a figure that illustrates the reach and community engagement surrounding this cause.
The primary aim of this initiative was to gather funds to provide university scholarships that further specialised oncology training.
Holistic Care
Through this project, the Carrera for Life Foundation aims to encourage studies in essential fields such as psychology, physiotherapy, and oncological nutrition, thereby enhancing holistic support for cancer patients and strengthening the training of professionals who assist them throughout their journey.
At 6:35 p.m., the official start was announced. From a crane, four bags released a multitude of ducks that commenced their voyage along the lazy river of the water park. The race, lasting approximately 30 minutes, concluded with a funnel that clearly identified the victorious duck: number 2,629, adopted by a fortunate individual who won the prize revealed by the organisers: a small gold duck crafted by a jeweller.
The result was attested by the notary of Adeje, Roberto Cutillas, who was present throughout the event.
Among the attendees were Brigitte Gypen, the president of the Carrera for Life Foundation and promoter of the initiative, along with local officials, including Esther Rivero, the health councillor for the Adeje City Council, and Hans Müller, representing the Loro Parque Foundation.
Brigitte Gypen emphasised the true significance of the event: “We are genuinely excited about the impact of this initiative. It not only raises awareness but will also facilitate the funding of the first pink scholarships aimed at educating university students and professionals in psychology, physiotherapy, and oncological nutrition, which are vital disciplines for improving the care of individuals with breast cancer.”
Activities for the XX Anniversary
The unique race is part of the activities the Foundation has planned to commemorate its XX Anniversary in 2025, following two decades of dedicated work since Gypen, a breast cancer survivor, initiated the first solidarity walk in Santa Cruz. Today, Carrera for Life orchestrates the most significant charity march in Tenerife, featuring over 7,000 participants in its latest edition.
The Pink Duck Race, as this activity is known, is part of an international effort led by the Think Pink Europe Network, of which Carrera for Life is the sole member organisation in Spain.
This initiative also aims to reinforce the message regarding the importance of early detection of breast cancer, in both women and men, through self-examination and regular screenings.
