The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

ORGANISERS are ready and the sprinters are prepping, as registration opens for the fifth annual Paint Da Streets Pink.

Under the theme "The Road to Pink Month", this year's walkathon in aid of breast cancer awareness is being hosted by the Rotaract Club of South East Nassau Centennial (RSENC). It will take place on Saturday, September 30, starting from Arawak Cay at 6am.

Highlights will include on-site vendors, fun surprises along the route to Goodman's Bay, as well as prizes for top finishers. Participants will also have the opportunity of participating in a raffle.

"The event's purpose is to raise awareness of breast cancer in the Bahamas, raise funds for the cause, celebrate our breast cancer survivors and pay respect to those who may have lost their battle to this deadly disease," said Tanishka Parker, RSENC fundraising director.

"In order to raise funds for the year's beneficiary, the Sister Sister Breast Cancer Support Group, we attract individual participants, survivors, groups, civic organisations, companies, employers, fitness groups, as well as vendors, to be present on the morning of the event."

For Tanishka it is a blessing to have the opportunity to continue to build on the good work started by past and present long-term RSENC members. She believes the success of past Paint Da Streets Pink events has allowed the team to continue to support local organisations in a meaningful way.

"The motivation of Paint Da Streets Pink was to also encourage screening for early diagnosis and support a local organisation that aligns with the former. We wanted to do this in a fun way that encourages physical fitness. The importance of this event lies in its cause. Breast cancer is extremely prevalent in the Bahamas and therefore organisations like the Sister Sister Support Group that support awareness, diagnosis and treatment are equally important and are always in need of our support.

Hosting an event like Paint Da Streets Pink gives the satisfaction that we are indeed making a real, tangible difference in the life of at least one person. Participants will definitely have a 'pinktastic' time as they support this event's cause," said Tanishka.

In addition to Paint Da Streets Pink, Rotaract is celebrating World Polio Day on October 2 and World Hunger Day on October 15 with a Quality supermarket stamp drive.

The 2018 events will kick-off in March with World Rotaract Week. A champagne reception in recognition of the 50th anniversary of Rotaract will take place next May.

Bahamians are encouraged to stay up-to-date with the team via the Rotaract Club of South East Nassau Centennial Facebook page.