It was a truly pink affair when more than 100 rowers and cyclists gathered for a ‘rowathon’ event, aimed at raising money for breast cancer screenings. On Sunday, 7 March 2021, athletes gathered at Crossfit Leo in Montana, Pretoria to participate in the first ‘100 rowers for 100 breast cancer screening’ event.
‘It was incredible how the local community responded to this initiative and within less than two weeks we managed to sign-up 118 participants for this worthy cause,’ says Rosa-Marie Cronje, the organiser.
Teams of 3 rowers could enter, each raising R350 per entry. The money raised was donated to NGO, ILoveBoobies, who specifically facilitate the screening of women from disadvantaged communities for breast cancer.
‘Screening is an integral part of the detection, prevention and treatment of breast cancer, however, a lack of funds are preventing large number of women in South Africa from being tested. We wanted to support a group who could really make a difference in the lives of these women,’ Cronje explains.
She says they didn’t just want to ask for donations, but rather decided to host an event where the public could play an active role.
‘Off course we all know maintaining a healthy body through regular exercise is very important for our overall well-being and health. Therefore, we decided to host an event where teams could row or cycle in tandem, get their daily exercise and do so while supporting a worthy cause,’ says Cronje.
Teams of three rowers competed in 60 minute heats throughout the morning. While the bulk of the athletes took part from the main event in Pretoria, another group joined virtually from Cape Town. The winners were selected based on the distance they managed to row within the given time period. The winners in the various categories were:
Men: Big, Bigger, Biggest: Neil Malan, Hilmar von Mansberg, Gerhard Engelbrecht
Women: The Rack Pack: Rozie Cronje, Inge von Mansberg, Melanie Roux
Mixed: Maungatua: Dehandre de Beer, Gerald Kruger, Simone Kruger
Fastest Cycle: Pedal Pushers
The 118 participants – rowers and cyclists – managed to row and ride a combined distance of 740km. Monice Cox, co-organiser says the event was inspired by a personal experience with breast cancer.
‘I was diagnosed with breast cancer early last year after feeling a lump while doing a self-examination. Off course it came as a shock seeing as I don’t have a history of breast cancer in my family and I am not yet 30 years old,’ she says.
Cox says she has just completed her radiation treatment and would like to inspire others with her personal journey.
‘Many people don’t know that breast cancer is the most prevalent of all cancers among women. It is critical for women to know the importance of regular screening to ensure early detection and effective treatment. Going for regular screenings is an integral part of this process,’ she explains
Breast Cancer is diagnosed every 29 seconds in the world and 1 in 9 women are expected to develop breast cancer during their lifespan. Cox says they are also supporting the new campaign by Radiology Group, Keystone Medical, aimed at keeping women informed about challenges around breast cancer.
‘This can be a very lonely and confusing journey but through the #ScreenHerSaveHer campaign, women who have had or have breast cancer can share their experiences. There are many things the experts don’t share or can’t share but a community of like-minded individuals can help each other through this difficult time,’ she says.
The rowing event was a pre-cursor to the bigger event to be held in October which is official Breast Cancer Month.
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