ASIDI stages Kasoa Pink Run to promote breast cancer awareness and community health

The Africa Sports Innovation & Development Institute (ASIDI) has organised the Kasoa Pink Run 2026 to promote breast cancer awareness, healthy lifestyles and community development through sport.

The 5km community run and walk was held at Odupongkpehe Park in the Kasoa Old Market Area under the theme “Run • Support • Hope • Empower”.

The event formed part of ASIDI’s Kasoa Active & Safe Communities Programme, which seeks to use sport and recreation to encourage healthier lifestyles, strengthen community ties and support sustainable development.

The Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East, Phyllis Naa Koryoo Okunor, attended as the Special Guest of Honour, joining participants and organisers in promoting community health and well-being.

• Sport for health and development

ASIDI said the initiative demonstrated how sport could bring communities, public institutions and private organisations together to address important social and health issues.

The programme aligns with four United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: good health and well-being, gender equality, sustainable cities and communities, and partnerships for development.

Through the event, the institute sought to promote physical activity, raise awareness of women's health, encourage inclusive community participation and strengthen collaboration among stakeholders.

• Partners and sponsors support initiative

The Kasoa Pink Run received support from several organisations, including Kasoa Polyclinic, RightSet Ghana, Accra Majestics, Nsona Diaspora Foundation, MaabMens Sports Consultancy, the Ghana Jump Rope and Skipping Federation, YMCA and LOLA Ghana.

Sponsors included Fenaam Industries Limited, through its Peeva brand, Tobinco Group, Sky Pure and MTN.

Media partners were Omashi Media, ultimatesportsghana.com, ITV, Atink FM/TV, RA Media, Obonu TV and Accra Standard News.

ASIDI thanked the MP, partners, sponsors, health professionals, volunteers, security personnel, media organisations, community leaders and participants for contributing to the event.

• ASIDI targets long-term impact

The institute said its ambition extended beyond organising a one-day sporting event, with plans to develop an evidence-based approach to sport for development through the Kasoa Active & Safe Communities Programme.

The next phase will involve documenting participation, gathering feedback from stakeholders and community members, assessing programme delivery and identifying lessons to guide future activities.

ASIDI also intends to track key indicators, including the number of participants, health screenings conducted, educational sessions delivered, volunteers engaged, partner organisations involved and follow-up activities undertaken.

The findings will be incorporated into post-event documentation to help assess the initiative's impact, identify gaps and improve future programmes.

• Changing perceptions of Kasoa

ASIDI said the programme was also intended to promote a more balanced and positive narrative about Kasoa by highlighting community leadership, participation, partnerships and locally driven solutions.

The institute acknowledged that a single event could not resolve complex social challenges but argued that sport could provide a starting point for dialogue, collaboration and sustained community engagement.

Its long-term goal is to build on individual events to develop programmes supported by research and evidence, with approaches that could eventually be replicated in other communities.

“Sport can be more than competition. It can be a catalyst for development, a platform for partnerships and a starting point for change,” the institute said.

ASIDI reaffirmed its commitment to connecting sport, research and partnerships to help build healthier, more inclusive and resilient communities.