The 2025 Paddle for Cancer event concluded on a high note at Wailoaloa Beach yesterday, bringing together the Fijian community in a united stand against cancer. The event featured an arduous 36-kilometer paddle from the Castaway Island Resort to Aquarius on the Beach, attracting a significant number of participants and supporters.
Event Chair Steven Andrew, who also serves as the General Manager of Castaway Island Resort, expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the collaboration and tenacity shown during the event’s planning and execution. “I’m so appreciative of our hardworking team,” Andrew remarked, underscoring the effort it takes to organize such a large-scale event that involves numerous organizations and community members.
The Paddle for Cancer committee, which includes representatives from the Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort, Six Senses Fiji, and the Nadi Bay Canoe Club, collaborated diligently to create a successful event. Andrew reflected on the emotional atmosphere at Wailoaloa Beach, stating, “It goes to show that people do care—cancer is a disease that has touched so many communities and families in Fiji and around the world.”
This year’s event marked the second annual Paddle for Cancer, which aims to raise awareness and funds for the Christian Pesamino Leukaemia Foundation. The foundation is committed to facilitating support for individuals and families affected by cancer in Fiji and honors the memory of Christian Pesamino, a young paddler who tragically lost his life to leukaemia.
Participants not only competed but paddled for hope and unity, reinforcing the message that individual contributions can lead to significant change. The occasion was a testament to the resilience of the community, showcasing collective efforts to combat the disease.
As members of the paddle community gather each year, the event serves not just as a tribute to those affected by cancer but also strengthens connections among participants and supporters. It fosters a lasting legacy of love and support in the ongoing battle against cancer. Each stroke in the water symbolizes a commitment to raising awareness and providing care, all while celebrating togetherness across all generations.