Relay For Life 2025 returns to inspire hope for Cancer Awareness

Sharjah24: Mark your calendars for January 25–26, 2025, as the Relay For Life (RFL) returns to Sharjah for its fourth Middle East edition at the American University of Sharjah (AUS). This inspiring 24-hour cancer community event brings together people from all walks of life to honor survivors, remember loved ones lost, and raise vital funds for life-saving treatments. Organized by Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP) in collaboration with the American Cancer Society, every lap walked and donation made contributes to providing support for cancer patients and their families.

Featuring six dedicated zones filled with activities designed to engage participants of all ages, the zones at this year’s Relay For Life collectively create an immersive experience that promises meaningful moments, vibrant community spirit, and unforgettable fun for everyone involved.

The Main Stage Zone

The Main Stage Zone will host activities that bring people together to inspire and heal. An official Opening Ceremony will set the tone for this remarkable 24-hour journey, followed by activities, performances and Q&A games with gifts organised by the Sharjah Police. There will also be multiple yoga sessions as well as sound healing sessions that provide moments of calm and renewal, making the zone a hub of positivity. During the evening, a deeply moving Luminaria Ceremony will be held with all other activities taking a short pause creating a shared moment of remembrance and hope as candles are placed to illuminate the track. The final activity in this zone will be the Closing Ceremony, celebrating the collective achievements of the 24-hour initiative.

The Track Zone

The Track Zone serves as the core of this initiative and will offer participants an opportunity to connect, express themselves, and embrace the spirit of Relay For Life through thematic laps. Survivors and caregivers will lead the opening lap, symbolizing strength and resilience. Participants can groove to their favorite songs during the Greatest Hit Lap, while the “Make a Friend” Lap encourages new connections. As night falls, the Glow Lap will transform the track into a sea of lights with glow sticks and bracelets, and the Noise Maker Lap will fill the air with energetic sounds of drums and applause. Creativity and fun will shine during the Crazy Hat and Wacky Hair Lap, and the Zumba Lap will invite everyone to dance their way around the track.

General Activities Zone

In the General Activities Zone, attendees can enjoy a variety of classic games and challenges designed for fun and friendly competition. Tug of war, sack races, giant Jenga, foosball, and air hockey will bring laughter and excitement to participants of all ages.

Adults Workshops Zone

Adults looking to explore their creative sides will find plenty to do in the Adults Workshops Zone. Here, they can try their hand at accessories making, create beautiful artwork through canvas painting, or craft intricate designs in the mosaic jar workshop. Meanwhile, children will have their imaginations sparked in the Kids Workshops Zone, with activities such as arts and crafts, hair braiding, nail art design, glitter tattoos, and face painting ensuring a day full of joy and creativity.

Kids Play Area Zone

The Kids Play Area Zone will be a haven for the youngest attendees, featuring bouncy castles and endless opportunities for fun and laughter.

This year’s Relay For Life aims to make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by cancer, and by joining the community of survivors, caregivers, volunteers, and supporters, participants can contribute to creating a brighter future for patients and their families. Registration is free and is open for individuals, families, friends, and teams at https://joinrfl.focp.ae/.