The Upper Tampa Bay Relay for Life, which supports the American Cancer Society, will be held at Tampa Bay Downs beginning Friday, May 16. Opening ceremonies begin at 6 p.m. Our theme this year ties in with the Olympics. At least four Olympic medalists and participants will take part in our opening ceremonies and be available to talk about their experiences. Throughout the relay, highlights of previous Olympic events and messages from our upcoming Olympic teams will be presented. Everyone is invited to be part of our opening ceremonies. You do not need to be a member of a relay team or a cancer survivor.

All cancer survivors are invited to be an honorary guest in the Survivors Lap, which begins the Relay for Life. Your strength and courage help the community see that cancer survivorship is real – that we are making progress in the battle against cancer. Tampa Bay Downs will be catering a special dinner for cancer survivors following the opening lap.

New this year will be a poker tournament beginning at 8 p.m. in Lucky's Card Room at Tampa Bay Downs. Proceeds from the tournament will go to support our relay. The poker tournament is the fund-raising effort of Newsradio 970 WFLA. More information about the tournament will be available on the radio broadcasts throughout the day.

For many people, one of the most moving parts of the event is the Ceremony of Hope. As the light dims over campsites and team members complete laps, the night is brightened by the glow of lighted bags called luminaria, each of which has a special meaning. Some luminarias celebrate the survivorship of people who have battled cancer and lived to tell the tale. Many commemorate the lives of those who have been lost to this disease. All represent a person who has been profoundly affected by cancer and the family and friends who continue to be touched by that experience.

Also new this year will be a Survivor Breakfast, held on Saturday morning at 8 a.m. Cancer survivors are encouraged to return for this event, catered by Aston Gardens.

Relay for Life is a community gathering in which everyone can participate in the fight against cancer. Teams of people take turns walking along an established course. Each team is asked to have a representative on the course at all times during the event – because cancer never sleeps. Those team members not on the course will be able to participate in the games, entertainment and fun commonly associated with a large street carnival.

Teams come from neighborhoods, families, friends, businesses, clubs, schools, faith-based groups and service organizations. Relay for Life is community driven. It is a great way for the community to work together in the fight against cancer.

Be part of a relay team and make a difference!

For more information, please contact Bob Argus at 818-9850 or click here.