Overnight from April 7 to April 8, nearly 3,000 UGA students participated in the 18th annual University of Georgia Relay for Life at the university’s intramural fields. The event culminated with the early morning announcement that the students had raised a total of $255,129.47 to support the American Cancer Society.
UGA’s event is notable for being Relay’s first event organized by, led by and composed entirely of college students. The student group is an affiliate of Relay for Life that is registered with UGA Student Affairs’ Center for Student Activities and Involvement.
UGA Relay has raised more than $3 million for the American Cancer Society since the first relay in 1999 and annually ranks as one of the top collegiate relays in the nation.
This year’s event featured the staples of Relays across the country: a survivors lap in which survivors celebrate their victories over cancer while participants congratulate them, a luminaria ceremony during which candles are lit in honor of those lost to cancer and in support of individuals whose fights continue, and a fight back ceremony that inspires participants to take action. Additionally, the group held team fundraisers, a “Mister Relay” pageant, a lip sync competition, a silent disco, a food-eating contest, and a warrior tournament on an inflatable obstacle course.
