Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
Groups from across the kingdom are coming together to shine a spotlight on men’s health during the month of November – now colloquially referred to as ‘Movember’.
Last weekend, 10 of Bahrain’s women bikers rode together in solidarity to raise awareness about men’s physical and mental health.
“This being our first ride for the month of ‘Movember’, it was quite a success,” explained Priya Shankar, one of the organisers of the ride.
“The women wore moustaches and jackets and we rode out from Seef Courtyard to Riffa Golf Club, and then came back to the Elite Seef Residence and Hotel for a complimentary sponsored breakfast.”
Started in 2003 by Australians Travis Farone and Luke Slattery, Movember has grown into a worldwide movement.
Although initially the main hallmark of the month was growing out a moustache during November, the initiative now supports men’s prostate cancer research and awareness, as well as mental health initiatives geared specifically to men.
Building on the success of the women’s ride, all the bikers and groups in Bahrain are being invited to participate in the Movember Ride taking place on November 26 at 7am at Al Liwan mall in Hamala Hills.
“There will be a free men’s health screening station, as well as lectures about disease awareness and diet, in addition to the ride itself,” explained Bahrain Bikers’ activities and road captains head, Mahdi Hasan.
“Dr Hamad Al Hellow will be speaking about men’s disease awareness before we ride out at 8.30 for a short stint around the south of Bahrain before returning for breakfast.”
More than 600 people and 500 bikes have already registered for the event, the idea for which came about after the Think Pink bike ride last month.
The event is being sponsored by the Medical Discount Card, Serena Italian restaurant, AlBarq Electrical Services and Al Liwan. All the Rotary clubs of Bahrain, including Rotaract Bahrain are coming together to support the initiative.
“After the Think Pink ride in October, which drew almost 500 bikers, we decided to have a similar ride to raise awareness about men’s health concerns,” added Rotaract Bahrain president Tanima Chakravorty.
“Both the physical and mental health for men is often overlooked and it is crucial that we encourage everyone to both be vigilant and to encourage men to discuss their health concerns.
“In particular, mental health is a subject many men shy away from, and we hope that events like this convey that it’s okay to struggle with depression and various mental disorders, and how to cope with them.”
In addition, the Bahrain Rugby and Football Club (BRFC) will be raising awareness about ‘Movember’ with a special cricket tournament at the end of the month.
The ‘Bowl for a Mo’ seven-a-side tournament will be held on November 26 at the BRFC in Janabiya, starting at 10am. Eight teams will be competing in the knockout-style tournament and the proceeds from the day will be donated to the Movember Foundation.
The BRFC is also selling Movember-themed masks to raise funds.
For more details, follow @rotarybahrain, @bahrain_bikers and @bahrainrfc on Instagram.
