The Sunday Mail
Tanyaradzwa Rusike
SCORES of people from all walks of life thronged the Old Hararians Sports Club to take part in the sixth edition of the Zimpapers Annual Cancer Power Walk yesterday.
The event, organised by the country’s largest integrated media house in conjunction with Island Hospice, witnessed participants take part in a 5km walk and a 10km run to promote cancer awareness.
Guest of honour, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Deputy Minister Kindness Paradza commended participants for making a stand against cancer.
“Thank you all for coming. This is a very good move that we have done,” he said.
“But I am just disappointed that my colleagues are not here after I had asked them to come.
“I am going to make a special request to His Excellency (President Mnangagwa) to make sure that Members of Parliament and Ministers participate in such events because the First Lady is running around promoting cancer awareness.”
Island Hospice director Dr Mudiwa Mundawarara encouraged regular cancer screening.
“It is very heartening to see many people supporting this cause.
“Our message to you is that cancer is something that you must take seriously.
“Early detection is the way to go. Ladies, you should have your breasts screened regularly; the same with men who are over 40 years of age who should have regular checks for prostate cancer.
“Early detection and early treatment is the way to go. Cancer is not necessarily a death sentence,” he said.
Stella Tiki (1st), Vimbai Mukura (2nd) and Varaidzo Mujeni (3rd) were the winners of the 5km walk in the women’s category, while Timothy Nyamuropa (1st), Joseph Medzano (2nd) and Isaac Muzondo (2nd) were the winners of the 10km run.
Zimpapers hosted similar events concurrently in Bulawayo, Mutare, Masvingo, Gweru and Kariba.
In 2015, Zimpapers, as part of its corporate social responsibility, partnered Island Hospice as a technical partner to work towards raising awareness about cancer and mobilise support for cancer causes.
Zimpapers Public Relations and Communications Manager (Digital and Publishing division) Pauline Matanda said; “I am so happy. I am excited about the success of this year’s Zimpapers Annual Cancer Power Walk.
“Let me thank everyone who participated in this year’s walk.
“ Despite being in the Covid-19 period and your busy schedules, you came out in your numbers to support this cause.
“Special mention goes to our Deputy Minister (of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services) Kindness Paradza for gracing this occasion.
“To the Zimpapers team who worked tirelessly to make this event a success, I say team work pays.”
