Relay for Life registrations open

Waikato residents are being urged to get involved in the worldwide phenomenon that is Relay For Life.

Registrations have opened for the Cancer Society's 2013 Relay For Life, and Waikato residents are being encouraged to register their team now to ensure they secure the best possible tent site.

"Spaces are limited and with 25 teams already registered, we suggest people register now to avoid missing out," says Waikato/Bay of Plenty Cancer Society fundraising coordinator Marie van Eyk.

"Early registration also gives your team plenty of time to fundraise, and gives you a chance to win the Davidson Shield, which is awarded to the team who raises the most money."

Relay For Life involves teams of ten or more walking around a track for 22 hours, having fundraised before the event.

"But it's not a race and only one person needs to be on the track at any time.

"Relay For Life is about encouraging everyone to celebrate with those who have overcome cancer, remember their loved ones lost to cancer, and fight back against a disease which affects one in three New Zealanders by fundraising for the Cancer Society.

"Teams from anywhere in the Waikato can enter including businesses, community groups, schools, friends and families. Add to this plenty of entertainment, including bands, performers and competitions, overnight camping, some amazing costumes and the result is a real festival-like atmosphere. It's an awesome event to attend."

The 2013 event promises to be the ultimate Relay event, as the society celebrates the ten year anniversary of Relay For Life in Hamilton.

"While fundraising is an important part of Relay, it's about so much more than that. Relay really shows people at their best, with everyone coming together as a community, supporting each other and honouring their loved ones," says Ms van Eyk.

"We are thrilled to be celebrating ten years of Relay and look forward to sharing this experience with our long-time Relay teams as well as those participating for the first time."

The 2013 Relay For Life will be held from 2pm on Saturday, March 9 to noon on Sunday, March 10 at AgResearch Ruakura in Hamilton.

All funds raised through Relay For Life stays in the Waikato/Bay of Plenty region and assists the Cancer Society to provide supportive care for cancer patients, their carers, whanau and friends, fund cancer research and provide the public with information on the ways to reduce the risk of cancer through a smoke free, sun smart, healthy lifestyle.

For more information or to register a team visit: www.relayforlife.org.nz, email events@cancersociety.org.nz or phone (07) 838 2027.