Tauranga City Councillor and professional speaker Tony Christiansen launched the return of the 2013 Relay for Life event by completing a lap of the track at Tauranga Waterfront. Photo: Joel Ford.
After a four year hiatus the Cancer Society's famed fundraiser Relay for Life will return to Tauranga.
Tauranga City Councillor, professional speaker and paralympian Tony Christiansen launched the 2013 event by completing a lap of the track at the newly developed Tauranga Waterfront yesterday.
Registration has now opened but spaces were limited so organisers suggested people get in early.
Waikato/Bay of Plenty Cancer Society spokeswoman Rachael Mounsey said, "Relay For Life involves teams of ten or more walking around a track for 22 hours, having fundraised before the event."
"But it's not a race and only one person needs to be on the track at any time."
Cancer survivor and newly appointed Relay For Life committee chair Jan Kerkmeester said the relay was much more than just a fundraising event.
"This is a wonderful opportunity to increase public awareness and to provide a platform to celebrate the lives of both the survivors and those less fortunate," Mr Kerkmeester said.
Teams from anywhere in the Bay of Plenty can enter including businesses, community groups, schools, friends and families.
There will be entertainment involving bands, performers and competitions.
The 2013 Relay For Life will be held from 2pm on Saturday March 23 to midday on Sunday March 24 at the Tauranga Waterfront.
All funds raised through Relay For Life stays in the Waikato/Bay of Plenty region and assists the Cancer Society to provide supportive care for cancer patients, their carers, whanau and friends, fund cancer research and provide the public with information on the ways to reduce the risk of cancer through a smoke free, sun smart, healthy lifestyle.
