Pink ducks in Tenerife symbolize broad support and engagement for people with breast cancer and their families.
Siam Park was yesterday the setting of a unique event in the Canary Islands: the first solidarity race featuring pink rubber ducks, organized by Fundación Canaria Carrera por la Vida. Around 4,000 of these rubber figures floated yesterday afternoon down the lazy river of the water park. This symbolic gathering offered support to people with breast cancer, promoted the importance of early detection, and raised funds for the education of specialized oncology professionals.
Oncology education
Participants ‘adopted’ little pink rubber ducks, now iconic symbols of this solidarity campaign that has also occurred in various European cities. Each duck cost five euros. Over the past four years, about 70,000 pink ducks have been adopted, reflecting broad support and engagement with this cause. The primary goal was to raise funds for university scholarships to support specialized oncology education.
Race
With this project, Fundación Carrera por la Vida aims to encourage training in key fields such as psychology, physiotherapy, and oncological nutrition, thereby enhancing comprehensive care for cancer patients and strengthening the training of professionals who support them.
The official start was given at 18:35. Thousands of rubber ducks were released from four sacks by a crane, after which they began their journey along the lazy river of the water park. The race lasted approximately 30 minutes and ended at a funnel-shaped finish line, clearly determining the winner. The pink duck numbered 2,629 won a golden duck crafted by a jeweler. The result was officially confirmed by Roberto Cutillas, notary of Adeje, who was present throughout the entire event.
Education
Present at the race was Brigitte Gypen, president of Fundación Carrera por la Vida and initiator of the event, along with local and institutional authorities, including Esther Rivero, councillor for Public Health in Adeje, and Hans Müller, representing Fundación Loro Parque.
Brigitte Gypen emphasized the real impact of the event, stating she was very enthusiastic about the impact of this initiative. Not only does it raise awareness, but it also helps finance the first Pink Scholarships, training university students and others in psychology, physiotherapy, and oncological nutrition—key areas to improve breast cancer patient care.
International initiative
This unique race is part of the foundation’s activities celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025. For two decades, Carrera por la Vida has worked on awareness and support, ever since Gypen, herself a breast cancer survivor, initiated the first solidarity walk in Santa Cruz. Today, the foundation organizes Tenerife’s largest charity walk, attracting more than 7,000 participants in its latest edition.
The Pink Duck Race is also part of an international initiative by the Think Pink Europe network, of which Carrera por la Vida is the only member in Spain. Additionally, the event aims to highlight the importance of early detection of breast cancer, in both women and men, through self-examination and regular screenings.
Following recent weather disturbances in Tenerife, an event like this provides hope and inspiration to residents and visitors, highlighting how solidarity and collaboration contribute to optimism and renewed energy.
Facebook page and website of Fundación Carrera Por La Vida/Walk for life
Carrera por la Vida @ Photography
Pink ducks in Tenerife ©
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