Celebrate │ Remember│ Fight Back
Team Captain Handbook
What Is Relay For Life?
Relay For Life is a 24 hour event that brings the whole community together. At Relay, teams of family members and friends commit to having at least one team member walking around the track at all times. While they
are doing that, a festival of fun and entertainment takes place which unites the community in the fight against
cancer. The money that is raised by Relay enables the Irish Cancer Society to continue its life saving work.
Celebrate - Cancer Survivors
Relay begins with a Survivor’s Lap, where cancer Survivor’s from the community are invited to take part wearing a purple t-shirt. We Celebrate them as the VIP’s of Relay who provide hope and inspiration to the whole
community in the fight against cancer. At Relay, a survivor is anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer.
Relay For Life events also recognise and celebrate caregivers, who give time, love, and support to their friends
and family, facing cancer.
Remember - Candle Of Hope
As darkness falls, the Candle of Hope Ceremony takes place. Candle bags, dedicated to someone lost to cancer
or in celebration of a Survivor, line the track to symbolize that as a community, we will never forget the pain
caused by cancer and that we will never let our determination to live in a cancer free world be diminished. At
the Candle of Hope Ceremony we Remember all in whose name we Relay. If you would like to sell Candle of
Hope bags to raise money for your team contact the committee.
Fight Back - As A Community
Relay For Life is a powerful movement in the Fight against cancer. By taking part in Relay you are making a
bold statement of Hope and belief in a future without cancer for your community. At Relay we communicate
the support services that are available for cancer patients and we encourage the community to make lifestyle
choices that will reduce their risk of cancer.
Your Role As Team Captain
Teams are the heart and soul of Relay. As a captain, you are responsible for recruiting your team and being the
link to your local Relay committee. Each team is asked to fundraise prior to Relay along with getting to know more
about Relay and the work of the Irish Cancer Society. During the Relay teams participate in various activities
throughout the 24 hours. If you have any questions you can contact your Relay’s Team Development Chair or you
can contact us on 1850 60 60 60. Below is a list of “team captain” tasks:
Team Captain’s To Do List

Recruit team members (most teams have between 10 and 20 people)

If you have not already done so, please ensure your team registration form is completed and returned to the
committee (you can also complete this online at www.cancer.ie/relay).

Set up an online fundraising page by registering to your local Relay event on www.justgiving.com.

Organise team fundraising events before Relay such as a table quiz, 5-a-side, leg waxing etc.

Inform all of your Team about Relay For Life and the work of the Irish Cancer Society.

Either you or a team member attend All the Team Captain’s Meetings organised by the committee.

Hold team meetings. Talk about your plans and work together as a team to get ready to Relay.

Find out your team’s reasons to Relay. They may be taking part to honor a loved one, celebrate the successful recovery of a friend, or maybe just to Relay for all those who can’t. Use your reason to Relay as inspiration for your site decoration, banners and team activities

Have fun!
Banking your funds…
We have supplied 3 banking giro’s with this pack, each of which
are assigned to your team. We would advise that you use these
regularly to lodge funds as you go. If you need more giro’s or
have any banking questions please call us on 1850 60 60 60
Disclaimer
The fundraiser agrees to release the Irish Cancer Society to the fullest extent permissible under law for claims and demands of
any kind, and from all liability that may arise in respect of any damage, loss or injury occurring to any person, except where
such liability arise because of negligence of the Irish Cancer Society or its agents. The Irish Cancer Society reserves the right to
terminate the agreement relating to an event at any time if it appears that there is a likelihood of the fundraiser failing to adhere
to any of the terms and conditions outlined in the “Relay For Life Teams Terms & Conditions” document.
Please Remember:
We want you to enjoy your fundraising activities and stay safe! The Irish Cancer Society can accept no liability for any loss,
damage or injury caused during the event you undertake. The Society’s insurance does not cover your property or the property
of your helpers and guests, nor does it cover your personal liability for any injury suffered by yourself or your event participants.
You should seek independent insurance advice prior to organising your event.
Thank You For Joining The Fight Against Cancer
Email: [email protected]
/ Tel: 1850 606060 / www.cancer.ie/relay