Women’s health: Park goes pink for breast cancer awareness

Event featured a polo match, a miniature plane show and live music

LAHORE: Those who visited the polo lounge at Race Course Park on Sunday saw the park lit up in shades of pink. Scores of people were seen wearing pink clothes as they gathered to raise awareness of breast cancer.

The event, titled Polo in Pink, was organised by Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre in collaboration with Happy Cow Cheese and the Lahore Polo Club. There was a miniature plane show, a polo match a cavalcade and live musical performances.

“It is heartening to see such support for the cause,” said Neelam Amjad, who was wearing a pink jacket. “People have an opportunity to discuss a serious cause in a festive manner. It encourages people to talk about the issue,” she said.

Singer Hadiqa Kiyani, an ambassador for the cause, said, “I want to request all women to take this issue very seriously. Get regular checkups. They could save your life.”

Kiyani said it was important that women above the age of 20 get mammograms every year. “It should be made mandatory for women above the age of 40 because early detection is pivotal for the cure,” she said.

A pink van on the venue offered examinations on the spot.

“Many women don’t take adequate care of their health because they wish to avoid hassle at a hospital,” said Sajida Hussain, a guest at the event.

The air show was a hit. The two miniature planes were controlled by Jehanzeb Zia and Syed Hassan Jafri.

A group of horse-riding enthusiasts also participated in the event. Supporting pink shirts, they took a round of the polo ground. “The handler managed our reigns and took the horses around,” said Abdul Adal, student of grade 4.

“Almost 20 boys participated in the event because we all want to raise awareness about breast cancer,” said Haider Hafeez Sarmad, a student of grade 5.

A polo match was organised between two teams. Players were supporting t-shirts from the campaign. Abdul Hayee, part of Pakistan’s team at the Polo World Cup, was participated in the event. The event ended with a musical performance by the Quadrangle.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 2^nd, 2015.