WSA collaborate with Melanoma Fund to raise awareness of dangers of the sun

The Welsh Sports Association (WSA) is partnering with the Melanoma Fund to raise awareness of the dangers of sunburn while partaking in sport and physical activity in the outdoors.

Sunburn is fast becoming an unacceptable outcome of organised outdoor activity. With skin cancer the UK’s number one form of cancer, and sunburn in childhood doubling the risk of melanoma, it is vital that those who work with others outdoors are educated around how to effectively provide adequate sun protection throughout the summer.

With excessive temperatures becoming more common during the summer months, an understanding of heat protection will also support those who provide activity to avoid, recognise and treat heat related illnesses.

With sports requiring prolonged periods outdoors, activity leaders and coaches have a responsibility to minimise all UV-related risks, as well as model good behaviour. To support this and make sun protection easy to implement, the WSA has partnered with the Melanoma Fund to provide advice and free resources that will highlight the importance of Sunguarding, helping futureproof your sessions, keeping everyone sun safe.

Please find our free resources here.

CEO of the Melanoma Fund, Michelle Baker, commented:

“I am deeply concerned about the high rates of skin cancer in Wales. To address this, we are proud to collaborate with the Welsh Sports Association to promote the importance of Sunguarding to all who enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle.

“Our joint efforts focus on educating those who spend prolonged time outdoors, including sports coaches, outdoor activity leaders and participants, raising awareness about the dangers of UV exposure, providing free resources that promote sun-safe practices during outdoor activities.

“Through this partnership, we aim to heighten awareness, and as a long-term result, help reduce the incidence of skin cancer in Wales.”

WSA CEO, Andrew Howard, added:

“It’s vital to raise awareness of this important issue across the WSA membership base and beyond. Being physically active and outdoors is a brilliant way to support your mental and physical wellbeing, but it also comes with its risks, so the sport and leisure sector must be aware and vigilant of the risk of skin cancer.

“This is also an issue that’s personal to me, having had a close family member overcome skin cancer, so that’s spurred me on to be more vigilant with my young children who love to venture in the great outdoors and play sport. While these are some of the best moments a parent can enjoy, it’s easy to forget about the danger of the sun.

“The work that the Melanoma Fund do is essential in really shouting about an issue that often gets put to the back of people’s minds when they’re outside. We’re pleased to be able to share this work and the wider issue with WSA members and beyond.”