More than 1,000 charity champions put their best foot forward at Expo 2020 Dubai on Saturday to support the fight against cancer at the Terry Fox Run.
The fundraiser is held each year in more than 30 countries in honour of Fox, who ran more than 5,000km across Canada in 1980 over 143 days to raise money and awareness after losing a leg to cancer.
The courageous Canadian died in 1981 but his incredible feats continue to inspire others to step out to boost crucial research into the disease.
More than Dh8 million has been raised through the Terry Fox Run to bolster cancer research in the UAE alone.
The sprawling Expo site provided a spectacular location for the enthusiastic participants who took part in 3km and 5km fun runs.
Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Co-operation and managing director of Expo 2020 Dubai, spoke of her pride at bringing the popular run to the world's fair.
“Expo 2020 Dubai is proud to be hosting the Terry Fox Run this year, not only to continue its tradition of taking place in Dubai, but also to pay tribute to its international status by weaving the course of the run through the world’s pavilions,' she said.
"Support of medical research to increase and improve quality of life is one that the UAE and its communities actively endorse, and to raise awareness of World Cancer Day through this event at the end of our Health and Wellness Week is important to us all.”
The family fun run was held under the patronage of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, chairman of the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee and chairperson of Al Jalila Foundation, who supported the first Terry Fox Run in Dubai in 1994.
This year’s event was organised by Canadian Business Council Dubai to support the Al Jalila Foundation.
“Today’s historic Dubai Terry Fox Run demonstrated the commitment of the UAE and its community in contributing to cancer research that could save generations in the future," said Ara Sahakian, former executive director and volunteer consultant to the Terry Fox Foundation.
Professor Frank Branicky, from UAE University, told how funds raised at the event is helping researchers to undertake vital cancer research.
"We have been working with researchers funded by Canada’s Terry Fox Foundation since 2013 to advance cancer research in the UAE, which is gaining momentum," he said.
"More than Dh8 million has been raised and funded for various UAE cancer research projects to date. Today, UAE researchers are leading various important investigations to find effective treatments for cancers worldwide.”
Expo 2020 Dubai - in pictures
THE SIXTH SENSE
Starring: Bruce Willis, Toni Collette, Hayley Joel Osment
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Rating: 5/5
Company profile
Date started: 2015
Founder: John Tsioris and Ioanna Angelidaki
Based: Dubai
Sector: Online grocery delivery
Staff: 200
Funding: Undisclosed, but investors include the Jabbar Internet Group and Venture Friends
If%20you%20go
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Mina Cup winners
Under 12 – Minerva Academy
Under 14 – Unam Pumas
Under 16 – Fursan Hispania
Under 18 – Madenat
Getting there
Flydubai flies direct from Dubai to Tbilisi from Dh1,025 return including taxes
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere
Director: Scott Cooper
Starring: Jeremy Allen White, Odessa Young, Jeremy Strong
Rating: 4/5
Sholto Byrnes on Myanmar politics
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
White hydrogen: Naturally occurring hydrogen
Chromite: Hard, metallic mineral containing iron oxide and chromium oxide
Ultramafic rocks: Dark-coloured rocks rich in magnesium or iron with very low silica content
Ophiolite: A section of the earth’s crust, which is oceanic in nature that has since been uplifted and exposed on land
Olivine: A commonly occurring magnesium iron silicate mineral that derives its name for its olive-green yellow-green colour
Wicked: For Good
Director: Jon M Chu
Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater
Rating: 4/5
Groom and Two Brides
Director: Elie Semaan
Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla
Rating: 3/5
Company%20profile
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The specs
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Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
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Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
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Price: From Dh117,059
