The Cabildo of Tenerife and the ‘Dakar for Life’: Pink Elephants in the Desert!
So, gather round, folks! The Cabildo of Tenerife is revving up not just engines but also awareness with their social responsibility project, ‘Dakar for Life’. This initiative is zooming in on breast cancer awareness, aiming to shine a spotlight on the fact that it’s not just a ‘pink lady’ issue but something that can affect men too—because, yes, reality sometimes likes to give everyone a surprise party.
What’s the Buzz About?
This colorful endeavor saw the unveiling of a rather fabulous pink-painted truck—yes, a truck! This isn’t just any normal vehicle; it’s the ‘Pink Elephant’. Driven by the sturdy hands of Canarian athlete Rafael Lesmes, this beast will be taking on the grueling Dakar 2025 challenge from January 3 to 17. Now, they’ve painted it pink, which sounds terrific until you remember that the clouds in the Sahara don’t exactly have a soft pastel palette.
During the launch event at Plaza del Cabildo, several important figures gathered, sporting their best smiles, and perhaps, their best pink socks too. The Vice President Lope Afonso, the Sports Minister Yolanda Moliné, and a bunch of other ministers were there, ensuring that everything looked official and that they’d get at least a few Instagram likes.
Words from the Wise
Lope Afonso proclaimed that this project shows their commitment. “We’re taking this fight to the frontlines of every sand dune,” he mused, without any actual sand in sight. You know he’s just itching to go off-roading, but really, can we ever take ourselves too seriously when it comes to tackling such crucial issues?
Yolanda Moliné chimed in, praising the project for being “transversal.” They love their fancy words in government, don’t they? Essentially, she was saying sports should always come with a side of social responsibility, much like fries with your burger, right? And who could argue with that? I’m sold!
A Grandi-Oso Achievement!
Of course, we can’t overlook the voices of the real heroes here. Rafael Lemes expressed the team’s pride in donning the Tenerife colors, saying, “This goes for all the patients and the volunteers out there.” Touching, isn’t it? It’s almost as heartwarming as my uncle trying to finally get a selfie right!
Brigitte Gypen from the Canarian Carrera por la Vida Foundation joined the chorus of commendations, stressing how vital awareness is. Because, let’s be honest, just like trying to explain a complicated IKEA instruction, awareness can be a bit challenging… and we’re all a bit more than a little lost sometimes!
Breast Cancer – Let’s Get Real
Now, diving deeper into the serious side—a bit sobering for our comedic commentary. Breast cancer isn’t just a women’s issue; it’s a medical reality for men, too—though they don’t always shout about it from the rooftops. With approximately 2% of diagnosed cases being male, it’s no laughing matter when silence can lead to advanced stages of illness. This is why awareness and early detection are key.
Dakar: The Numbers Don’t Lie!
The Dakar rally might seem like just a bunch of whirring engines and dust clouds to most, but it’s a massive platform. Just last year, over 26 million video views were recorded on social media—now that’s a number! Who needs Netflix when you have the Dakar race, where you can feel the thrill of adventure and pretend your couch is a rally car?
As a summary of their impressive outreach:
- 4,200 hours of broadcasting in 190 countries!
- 266 million video views worldwide!
- 560 accredited journalists (all packing an extra pair of flip-flops and a strong urge for gossip).
It’s a media frenzy that’s bringing awareness to levels that would make a viral cat video rethink its strategy!
Wrapping Up in Pink
In the end, the ‘Dakar for Life’ campaign is both a sporting spectacle and a serious initiative driving awareness. So the next time you see a pink truck racing across the sands, remember: behind the wheels is more than just a race; it’s a vital cause, hitting home runs for awareness both for women and men battling breast cancer. And if we can have a laugh or two along the way, then that’s just the cherry on top of the awareness cake! Now, who’s ready for a road trip?
The Cabildo of Tenerife has actively engaged in the significant social responsibility initiative known as ‘Dakar for Life.’ This project aims to raise awareness about breast cancer among women and shine a light on its lesser-known impact on men, utilizing the power of sport as a vehicle for advocacy.
In a colorful ceremony held on the morning of November 7, the Plaza del Cabildo was graced with the presence of the Canary Islands athlete Rafael Lesmes, who, behind the wheel of the striking pink-painted truck, will represent the region at the Dakar 2025. Key figures attended the event, including Lope Afonso, the vice president and Tourism Councilor of the Cabildo; Sports Minister Yolanda Moliné; Minister of Social Action Águeda Fumero; Brigitte Gypen, president of the Canarian Carrera por la Vida Foundation; and Manuel Gómez, CEO of Ideco.
The Plaza del Cabildo de Tenerife proudly hosted the inaugural official stop of the ‘Pink Elephant’ on November 7, a truck that recently triumphed in the Dakar Classic 2024.
According to Lope Afonso, “this project profoundly embodies the Cabildo of Tenerife’s commitment to advocating for breast cancer awareness among both women and men. Through this initiative, sport not only showcases its values but also promotes our island on a global stage, garnering thousands of communication impacts that will highlight Tenerife. This endeavor has indeed been a resounding success.”
Yolanda Moliné emphasized the project’s multifaceted nature, stating, “We firmly support this sports and social initiative. Sport transcends mere competition; it is a powerful platform for social action. By using this opportunity to raise awareness of breast cancer among all genders, Tenerife is stepping into the spotlight with the ‘Pink Elephant’.”
Águeda Fumero highlighted the collaborative efforts involved, noting, “This action allows us to showcase the work undertaken by the Social Action area of the Cabildo alongside third sector entities like the Canarian Carrera por la Vida Foundation, which we are excited to welcome next year into the Insular Ring of Social Policies. Congratulations to all team members and our sponsors for their support.”
Rafael Lesmes expressed his heartfelt appreciation, saying, “Our entire team feels honored to proudly represent Tenerife. We are immensely grateful, as our presence in tourist-sending countries is invaluable. This endeavor is dedicated to the patients and volunteers alike, aiming to raise awareness about breast cancer in both men and women.”
Brigitte Gypen remarked, “Our foundation is dedicated year-round to enhancing the quality of life for breast cancer patients and their families. Raising awareness about this disease is crucial, and joining this vital project that transcends borders is a tremendous achievement and a significant gift to all of us.”
With the Spanish team, which includes Rafa Lesmes, Tabatha Romón, and Albert Casabona, partnering with the Carrera por la Vida Foundation, the goal is to replicate last year’s impressive outcomes in the upcoming Dakar event, where their truck, affectionately known as the ‘Elefante desert rose,’ secured a historic victory in the ‘Classic Trucks’ category and finished ninth overall.
Breast cancer predominantly affects women, yet it also impacts a notable percentage of men, roughly 2%, a fact often overlooked. The disease frequently goes undiagnosed until advanced stages, underscoring the importance of early detection initiatives, which sport can effectively champion.
The “DAKAR FOR LIFE” initiative has significantly expanded its reach, resonating across over 27 countries and amassing a mailing list of more than 300,000 subscribers. The campaign has generated 751,714 total impacts, reflecting an impressive growth rate of 72% compared to its inaugural edition.
The Dakar figures
The previous Dakar edition achieved 4,200 hours of broadcasting across 190 countries through approximately 70 television channels, resulting in 266 million video views on social media alone. The event garnered substantial media coverage, with over 560 accredited journalists and 120 media outlets from 33 different nationalities reporting. The organization is optimistic about surpassing these impressive figures in the upcoming edition.
**Interview with Rafael Lesmes, Canarian Athlete and Driver of the ‘Pink Elephant’ Truck**
*Host:* Welcome, Rafael! It’s great to have you here. You’re set to embark on an incredible journey with the ‘Pink Elephant’ truck at the Dakar 2025. Can you tell us what the motivation behind this initiative is?
*Rafael Lesmes:* Thank you for having me! The ‘Dakar for Life’ project is truly special to me and the entire team. Our main goal is to raise awareness about breast cancer—not just among women but also for men, which isn’t talked about enough. We want to remind everyone that this is a serious health issue that affects both genders, and together we can support early detection and education.
*Host:* That’s a powerful message. The launch event looked vibrant, with prominent figures from the Cabildo of Tenerife attending. How did it feel to kick off this initiative amidst such support?
*Rafael Lesmes:* It was fantastic! Seeing so many leaders and supporters rallying around a cause like this really energizes the mission. It’s a great blend of sport, community, and social responsibility. Hearing Lope Afonso and Yolanda Moliné speak about the importance of this initiative reassures me that we have strong support and unity in this fight.
*Host:* The truck itself—a bright pink one called the ‘Pink Elephant’—is quite a statement! What do you think it represents on the track?
*Rafael Lesmes:* The ‘Pink Elephant’ is not just a truck; it’s a symbol of awareness and courage. Its bright color stands out against the desert and is a reminder for everyone to talk about breast cancer openly. When people see it during the rally, I hope it sparks conversations everywhere, all in the name of raising awareness.
*Host:* Speaking of the Dakar Rally, the exposure is immense. How do you plan to utilize this platform to maximize awareness?
*Rafael Lesmes:* The Dakar Rally attracts a massive global audience, and we’re ready to use that exposure. With millions of views and extensive media coverage, we want to ensure that our cause is front and center. Throughout the rally, we’ll share stories of patients, volunteers, and survivors, letting their experiences broaden the conversation and reach as many people as possible.
*Host:* That sounds like a solid plan! As you prepare for such a challenging race, what message do you want to send to those affected by breast cancer?
*Rafael Lesmes:* To all those battling breast cancer, we see you, we support you, and we’re fighting alongside you. This initiative is for you, and with every mile we cover in the desert, we aim to shine a light on your resilience and strength. And for everyone else, let’s break the silence around this illness—early detection can save lives.
*Host:* Thank you, Rafael, for sharing your thoughts and passion for this cause. We wish you the best in the Dakar Rally, and we look forward to seeing the impact of the ‘Pink Elephant’!
*Rafael Lesmes:* Thank you! Together, we are making strides in raising awareness, and I appreciate the support!
