A special ceremony at the National Sports Centre is to honour those affected by cancer.

The Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre said the luminaria ceremony, sponsored by Arch Reinsurance, will take place during the first day of Relay for Life on May 8, starting at 9pm.

The statement said: “Team activities and fundraisers pause, children stop playing and the walking track glows with hundreds of luminaria bags, lovingly decorated with drawings, dedications and names.

“During this time, survivors, participants and attendees walk the track together in silence, taking in the personal and powerful messages displayed on each bag.”

It added: “No matter where you are in the world, you can show your support for a survivor, honour someone no longer with us, or share a message of hope by purchasing a luminaria bag to be displayed on the field.”

Bags, which can be purchased for a minimum of $10, will remain illuminated until dawn on May 9.

Jerome Halgan, Arch Reinsurance chief executive, president and chief underwriting officer, said: “Arch is proud to support Relay For Life — this event brings people together in a powerful and inspiring way and resonates deeply with our employees and our culture of supporting one another.

“We stand strongly alongside so many others committed to making a real difference in the fight against cancer and count on everyone to contribute with their giving.”

Bags can be purchased via bermudarelay.bm or from teams taking part in Relay for Life.

Members of the public can adorn the bags themselves or have relay volunteers decorate them on their behalf.

Bags can be taken to the BCHC on Point Finger Road in Paget by 4pm on May 6, or to the Arch Bermudal luminaria relay tent at the North Field, National Sports Centre, on May 8, between 10am and 8pm.