News & Pics: Justin Erol Dsilva
Daijiworld Media Network-Udupi
Udupi, Mar 4: On the occasion of centenary celebrations of Badagubettu Credit Co-operative Society (L), a marathon with an aim of creating awareness among youth about drug addiction and Swacchatta Abhiyan was organized. It was inaugurated by former MLA Ragupathi Bhat.
10 km marathon for men and women began from Christian High School and covered the city. A 3 km marathon for primary school students and 5km marathon for high school students were organized. In a special a 5 km marathon exclusively for the staff of co-operative banks of Udupi District was conducted. Primary school children to senior citizens took part in the marathon.
Anuradha G, assistant district commissioner was chief guest for the concluding ceremony. Speaking on the occasion, she said, “Like-minded people came together to form Badagubettu Credit Co-operative Society (L) leaving behind their religion and caste. The theme of the marathon is very good and relevant. Health is very important. To keep ourselves healthy exercise is needed. Udupi has become open defecation free district. The society has organized many welfare activities also. Let the society celebrate 1,000 years more.”
International level sports person, Aikala Harish Shetty congratulated the co-operative society for organizing the marathon and said, “In our childhood we had not much support to pursue sports activities. I had a desire to become a sports person. Winning or losing, never give up a try in life.”
President of Udupi Builders Association, Jerry Vincent Dias said, “Probably for the first time in Udupi city this type of event has happened. Today we are running behind money. In this run we are neglecting about our health. The money we earned is largely spent on our health. This marathon activity makes us healthy. Children should be insisted to play on grounds and to be healthy.”
Students who achieved in the field of athletic and sports of Udupi district were felicitated on the occasion.
Sanjeeva Kanchan, president Badagubettu Credit Co-operative Society (L) Laxman Nibargi, SP Udupi Kishan Hegde Kolkebailu, president Udupi District Co-operative union Jayakar Shetty Indrali, chief manager Badagubettu Credit Co-operative Society (L) Dinesh Puthran, president Udupi district amateur athletic association Dr Roshan Kumar Shetty, joint-director youth and sports department were present on the occasion.