Bike riders circle Samoa’s islands to raise cancer awareness

A group of cyclists are heading to Samoa on a special mission, cycling around the islands of Upolu and Savai'i for cancer awareness.

USO Bikeriders spokesperson Tofilau Talalelei Taufale says the team of 12 bike riders will fly into Apia on Monday.

“We’ll be supporting a cancer-awareness initiative with the Samoa Cancer Society.

“So we’ll be cycling around both islands and stopping in villages to run workshops and talanoa.

“We’ll be stopping into the Samoan triathlon, we’ve been able to gather some resources for bikes and things that we want to donate to them.”

The team has also done tours in 2014 and 2018. Samoa Cancer Society CEO Papalii Su’a John Ryan says they’re excited to welcome the group back.

“USO Bike riders have successfully conducted 4 previous bike rides, raising cancer awareness and promoting exercise as a lifestyle choice is so important for Samoa.

“This message is not just cancer-specific, but will also have an impact on all non-communicable diseases.”

The tour around both Savai’i and Upolu will take eight days.

Earlier this year, Tofilau was made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Pacific Health.

USO Bike riders is based in Napier and is all about promoting good health and wellbeing among Pacific people.