Representative of the participating organisations at the event.
Aspire Zone Foundation hosted a breast cancer awareness event, in co-operation with the Qatar Cancer Society (QCS) and the Qatar Women’s Sport Committee (QWSC) last week, as part of the World Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October).
The event was attended by Ahlam al-Mana, president of the QWSC; Aisha al- Kuwari, chairwoman of Qatar Centre for Voluntary Activities; Ismaa al-Hamadi, QCS honorary ambassador; and Fatima al-Kuwari, director of Public and Community Relations at Oreedoo.
Lolwa al-Marri, head of Events at Aspire Zone Foundation and general secretary of the QWSC, said: “Hosting this event is a great example of the efforts we go to in delivering programmes and activities that support the local community and encourage active and healthy lifestyles. At Aspire Zone, we provide many programmes along with access to our facilities for all members of the community to help them stay fit and healthy.”
Mariam Hamad al-Nuaimi, general manager of Qatar Cancer Society, said: “QCS is keen to participate in awareness-raising events held in Qatar, for increasing awareness about the seriousness of breast cancer and how to prevent it by following healthy lifestyles and exercise. QCS is also working on increasing public awareness of cancer by lunching awareness campaigns through the year to various cancers in schools and universities and different institutions”
Ahlam al-Mana, of the QWSC, said: “Sports activity and good health are closely linked. That is why we at the QWSC aim to encourage women in Qatar to practise sports and participate in our events. We were keen to be involved in this event as we believe that sport is one of the best ways to prevent risk factors that cause disease, especially when it comes to cancer, and breast cancer specifically”.
During the event, Marie Antoinette Attiyah, a breast cancer survivor, gave an inspirational speech about her journey to recovery, which also included a number of important tips for detection and prevention of breast cancer. In addition, Dana Mansour, an educator from the QCS, delivered a session designed to raise awareness about the different symptoms of breast cancer, the importance of early detection, and how to perform a self-examination.
The QWSC also organised a basketball game which was played by members of the Qatar national basketball team.
