Wawasan Open University's (WOU) banner and placards was held high proclaiming the people's university's declaration of support to the Penang Relay for Life, held at the Youth Park on Election Day 2008.

Raising awareness on cancer

Clad in purple t-shirts, the WOU team was supported by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Prof Dr Wong Tat Meng, while the walk around the relay route was lead by Corporate Communications Manager Agnes James and Penang Regional Officer Director K. Manoharan.

The rain did not deter the WOU team from being a part of such a worthwhile activity, which is in line with the University's aspirations to promote lifelong learning and enhance community support. WOU donated RM10,000 to the event and was awarded a plaque honouring the university as a gold sponsor for the second-year running.

This year more than 300 teams participated comprising over 3,000 people, which is a notable increase from the 205 teams last year, 136 in 2006 and 118 in 2005 when the event was first launched.

The Penang Relay for Life is organised by the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (Penang Branch), with the support of Penang Hospice Society and the Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP).

Torch run to start the Relay for Life

The organisers expect to raise RM400,000 for the relay this year. A total RM340,000 was raised as of March 8, and though it is an increase from last year, it still falls short of their target of RM500, 000.

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The Guest-of-Honour for the official opening was Director of SERI, Datuk Dr Hj Sharom Ahmat, who represented the Yang Di-Pertua Negeri. Also present were NCSM (Penang) chairman Datuk Seri Dr T. Devaraj and Penang Hospice Society chairman Datuk Dr Chan Kok Ewe.