Say it with pink

HUNDREDS of people from across the kingdom flocked to Bahrain Rugby Football Club to watch exciting netballing action as well as help raise awareness and funds for breast cancer.

Ten teams, dressed in rosy coloured athletic wear and named after flowers, participated in the Think Pink round-robin tournament last week ... to show their support for those suffering from the disease as well as to gather funds to donate to Bahrain Cancer Society.

“It’s a cause that we all believe in supporting and this tournament is also the first to kick off the season for us, as the league matches started this week,” said Laura Sullivan, Bahrain Expatriate Netball League’s public relations secretary.

“The atmosphere was incredible with so many people cheering on the sporting action as well as parading in pink to raise awareness, which is what we intended.”

Last year’s tournament garnered BD292 and this year’s charity contest raised BD317.500 for Breast Cancer Society.

The Pink Panther VW also drew in a crowd with many wanting to snap picture perfect moments in front of the vibrant van.

The concept was created by Bahrain Rugby Football Club’s former chairman Mehdi Honar and his dear friend Ru’a Suleiman, a Cordon Bleu Chef who has assisted him on previous Think Pink Bahrain’s bike rides.

According to Honar, Suleiman had offered her food truck to promote Think Pink and breast cancer for the entire month with the van being parked at different locations as well as being driven around the island as a conversation and awareness piece.

“Promoting cancer awareness as well as supporting and participating in events related to cancer is something very close to my heart,” said Honar. “It started when my daughter Persia - who has now completely recovered, thanks to God and everyone’s prayers - was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma Cancer. It is a rare type of cancer that occurs in bones or in the soft tissues around the bones.

“We welcome people to come and capture moments with the Pink Panther and start a conversation about cancer.”

For details, follow @netball_bahrain, @bahraincancer and @thinkpinkbahrain on Instagram.