SHARJAH: His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, dedicated 17 Arabian horses from Al Qasimi Stables to support the Pink Caravan’s breast cancer awareness ride during the launch ceremony of the annual Pink Caravan Ride 2015 at the Sharjah Equestrian Club on Monday.
The Pink Caravan’s pan-UAE breast cancer awareness initiative by the Friends of Cancer Patients (FoCP) aims to raise awareness about the importance of early detection of breast cancer, and has the patronage and support of Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Founder and Royal Patron of the Friends of Cancer Patients Society (FoCP), International Ambassador of the World Cancer Declaration for Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and International Ambassador for Childhood Cancer for UICC.
During the ceremony, the Ruler of Sharjah honoured sponsors who supported the Pink Caravan since its inception.
Sheikh Sultan also honoured gold donors and the Gold Ambassador for 2014, for their efforts in spreading awareness and for their continuous support to help the Pink Caravan convey its message to ensure the safety, tranquility and happiness of the people of the UAE.
The honoured figures included Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, Sheikha Lubna Bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister for International Co-operation and Development (MICAD), Sheikha Manal Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, wife of Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, Chairperson of the UAE Gender Balance Council, President of the Dubai Women’s Establishment and Ambassador of Pink Caravan.
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahayn received the honour on behalf of Sheikha Manal Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Among the gold donors, Sheikh Sultan Al Qasimi honoured Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, whose award was received by Noura Al Nouman, Director General of the Executive Office of Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi.
Sheikh Sultan also honoured Mohammed Abdullah, CEO of Sharjah Islamic Bank, who received the award on behalf of the bank, and Mario Tomah, Deputy Director General of Bank of Sharjah who received the honour on behalf of the Bank of Sharjah.
While the Gold Ambassador Award went to Sheikha Hessa Bint Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ambassador of the Pink Caravan and owner of Forta Stud Stables, and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan received the honour on her behalf.
The launching ceremony was attended by a number of prominent figures, including Ambassador Sally Cowl, Senior Vice President of the American Cancer Society Global Health Work, Cary Adams, Chief Executive of the International Cancer Control Union, Dr John Seffrin, Chief Executive of the American Cancer Society, Khalid Al Saleh, Secretary General of the Gulf Federation for Cancer Control, and Dr Soad Bin Amir, Deputy Chairman of Zahra Breast Cancer Association in Saudi Arabia.
Other dignitaries also included Dr Eman Khader, Director General and Founder of the Help and Hope Programme for Breast Cancer Patients in Palestine, Dr NofouzMossalamani, Medical Director of Dunya Women’s Cancer Centres in Palestine, and HebaTantash, Executive Director Corporate Social Responsibility at Bank of Palestine, in addition to representatives of the Saudi Cancer Society.
The ceremony started with a short documentary about preparations for the launch of the ride including the interaction between teams, committees and volunteers, to provide everything the Pink Caravan needs during its 10-day tour.
The film depicted the positive response from all segments of the community and some of the initiative’s triumphs, including offering free screenings to approximately 29,000 people, including 6,531 men, across the UAE.