By Spencer Sterritt

Relay for Life officially kicks off in P.A.

Apr 6, 2016 | 5:49 PM

The largest cancer fundraising event in the world officially launched in Prince Albert.

Organizers, survivors and runners gathered in the lobby of the Forest Centre Wednesday, April 6 to kick-off the Relay for Life campaign.

City employees Derek Blais, Renee Horn, Judy Campbell and Bruce Vance ran from City Hall to the P.A. Art Centre and then the Forest Centre in a ceremonial mini-baton relay.

Vance is the 2016 Relay for Life Honourary Chairperson and a cancer survivor. He was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2014. After 12 rounds of chemotherapy Vance was declared cancer-free in July 2014.

“It’s a life-changing event that makes you realize (you need to) make every day special. I’m very happy to be a part of Relay for Life and give back a little bit to the people who supported me through that fight,” he said.

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Fourteen teams have already signed up for the relay and organizers hope more than 40 teams will eventually take part.

In 2015, 48 teams and 495 runners participated in the event including over 200 survivors registered for the Survivors Victory Lap.

“It’s a powerful moment for the survivors, just to bond as a community,” Vance said.

The Relay for Life takes place June 3 to 4 at Max Clunie field in Prime Minister’s Park. The opening ceremony begins at 6 p.m.

Teams can register online or by calling the Canadian Cancer Society office in Prince Albert.

ssterritt@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: spencer_sterrit