Dubai
Players, caddies and officials at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic will wear pink on Friday in aid of breast cancer awareness. Fans are invited to do the same and even the flagsticks at Emirates Golf Club will adorn the hue.
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women in the UAE, accounting for 28 per cent of female deaths, according to the UAE’s cancer registry.
“This is an amazing statistic and that can be reduced by at least 50 per cent with early detection,” said 2011 Open Championship winner Darren Clarke, who has set up his own foundation to raise funds for Breast Cancer Awareness, following the death of his wife Heather in 2006.
“I am here to play and promote my foundation with the support of Golf in Dubai. They do such a wonderful job with all the tournaments they manage and I want to support them because they have supported me throughout my career,” added the Northern Irishman.
With one in eight women being diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, the World Cancer Congress has mandated that it should become a healthcare priority in Arab countries.
“People need to know about the disease and keeping that in mind we organised Pink Day during both of our major tournaments — the Omega Dubai Desert Classic and the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters,” said Mohammad Juma Bu Amim, vice- chairman and CEO of event organisers Golf in Dubai.
“By doing something as small as wearing a pink ribbon even for a day, we can help a lot to disseminate crucial information about the disease. I am really grateful to players for coming forward and supporting the cause.
“Being celebrities in their chosen field, their support is vital in promoting a symbol of hope for a cure that will rid breast cancer from our lives,” he added.
“Together we can make a difference, is the message we try to drive through Pink Friday.”
