Its a Pink Friday at the 2015 Omega Dubai Desert Classic
Emirates Golf Club will wear a pink look on Friday, January 30, as players competing in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic will join fans and families in a concerted effort to raise awareness about breast cancer in the UAE and beyond.
All players, caddies and officials will turn out in pink, sending out a strong message of support in the fight against the disease. The host venue, Emirates Golf Club, will also contribute their bit by providing pink flagsticks.
Too often breast cancer is thought of as a disease for women who are 50 years and older, but researchers have indicated the disease can strike at any age, and women of every age should be aware of their personal risk factors for breast cancer.
According to the UAE Cancer registry, breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in women in the country, accounting for 28 per cent of female deaths.
“This is an amazing statistic and that can be reduced by at least 50 per cent with early detection,” said Major winner Darren Clarke, who has set up his own foundation to raise funds for Breast Cancer Awareness.
“I always wear my breast cancer awareness badge. It’s something close to my heart for obvious reasons,” said the Northern Irishman whose wife Heather succumbed to the disease 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 Clarke.
With one in eight women being diagnosed with breast cancer in her 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 Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice chairman and CEO of 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.”
