Media Release

Mangaluru, Dec 20: ‘Swaccha - Parisara - Hasiru - Usiru’ is the mission. To accomplish this mission and to create awareness of a healthy environment, Dakshina Kannada Athletic Association is organizing a mega event, ‘Sahyadri 10K Run, Mangaluru’, in line with Fit India Movement. This mega event is promoted by Bhandary Foundation in association with the department of Youth Empowerment & Sports, Govt of Karnataka; Mangalore University; Visvesvaraya Technological University and Rajiv Gandhi
University of Health Science, joining hands with Karnataka Athletics Association (KAA) & Fit India Mission. Sahyadri celebrates its opportunity to be a title sponsor of Sahyadri 10K Run Mangaluru to be held on February 2, 2020, at Mangala Stadium.

The logo, tagline, bib and website launching ceremony of this phenomenal event was held on December 19 at Dr TMA Pai Convention Hall, Mangaluru in the presence of Olympians and achievers in the field of sports and other luminaries from the education sector, Government sector and entertainment industry.

Sahyadri 10K Run Mangaluru logo was launched by K P Purushothama, vice-chairman, Sports Authority, Govt of Karnataka. As a Government representative, in his speech, extended absolute support for the event from the Govt of Karnataka. He also mentioned of his endeavour to move Sports from a neglected sector to a priority sector and expressed wholeheartedly that Mangaluru can lead sports in Karnataka.

Manjunath Bhandary, as president of DKAA, in his welcome address, expressed how Dakshina Kannada district has been contributing to the Olympian list and has also been conducting marathons for the last few years successfully. Sahyadri 10K Run Mangaluru was first proposed by Anand Menezes who he met in the Mumbai marathon last year.

He then mentioned the support he received from universities like Mangalore University, Rajiv Gandhi University for Health Sciences and Visvesvaraya Technological University which further strengthened his plan to organize this event. "10,000 is the targeted participants for the Run and also acknowledged that the Govt of Karnataka sanctioned funds for the success of this mega event. A competition was held through advertisement in media for suggestions on logo and tagline. After thorough screening, the logo and tagline 'Swaccha-Parisara-Hasiru-Usiru' was selected and the winner will be rewarded."

The poster of Sahyadri 10K Run Mangaluru was unveiled by Gurukiran Shetty, music director, singer, actor in film industry who in his speech revealed that being a brand ambassador of the event, he has been practicing enthusiastically for the Run. He appreciated Sahyadri campus for its uniqueness in providing world-class facilities to the students as he had visited the campus during the first half of the day.

Dr S Sacchidanand, vice-chancellor, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences publicized the Bib of Sahyadri 10K Run Mangaluru and shared his remarks on how Mangaluru is warming up for the event. He proclaimed that February 2, 2020, will be a historic day in Mangaluru while praising Manjunath Bhandary for selecting this distinct date for the event. He explained how sports should be an integral part of a student’s curriculum which contributes to their holistic development.

Dr P Subrahmanya Yadapadithaya, vice-chancellor, Mangalore University launched the mega event website www.10krunmangaluru.com by scanning the QR Code. In his speech, he said that Manjunath Bhandary is the finest human being he has ever come across for his magical approach to serve his region and the state. He also emphasized that the five areas of total fitness – Physical fitness, Mental Fitness, Intellectual Fitness, Social Fitness and Spiritual Fitness have the greatest power to unleash potentials of individuals.

K P Purushothama, vice-chairman, Sports Authority, Govt of Karnataka; Dr S Sacchidanand, vice-chancellor, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences; Dr P Subrahmanya Yadapadithaya, vice-chancellor, Mangalore University; Gurukiran Shetty, music director, singer, actor in film industry; Shivakumar H R, Special Officer- VTU Extension Centre, Mangaluru; Vandana Pandurang Shanbhag, an Olympian; Manjunath Bhandary, president- Dakshina Kannada Athletics Association (DKAA) and president- Bhandary
Foundation and Anand Menezes, an ace athlete and technical advisor for Sahyadri 10K Run Mangaluru adorned the dais for the launching ceremony.

The ceremony came to an end with the vote of thanks shared by Steven Dias, vice-president of DKAA acknowledging the presence of all the dignitaries including Dr J Shetty, chairman- A J Group of Institutions; Commander DIG S SDasila (Coast Guard Karnataka) and T Nanjundappa, regional head of Union Bank of India.

• ‘Sahyadri 10K Run, Mangaluru’ will be held on February 2, 2020, from 6.00 am onwards at Mangala Stadium, Mangaluru.
  
• The following categories of Run will be organized:
•  10K Run – Men and women 
• Elite Run – Fit India (above 18 years)
• Only for students (18 to 25 years)
• Open to all (above 18 years)
• 5K for men and women - Open to all - Healthy Maza Run.
• 2K for 14-16 years - Future champions.

Nearly 10,000 participants of different age groups are expected. It is believed that through this event all like-minded people can be brought together, to build and inspire them in making Mangaluru stand out in splendour, now and for generations to come.

By spreading 'Green, Healthy - Mangaluru' through the involvement and participation of the general public, hailing from various backgrounds, it is believed that DKAA will be able to achieve its motto. The common public, government agencies, institutions, companies, corporates, social organizations and people from various walks of life are invited.

‘Health and fitness consciousness is the need of the hour’. This criterion can be achieved by getting massive participation of large number of people and awareness can thus be spread across Dakshina Kannada region.

Dakshina Kannada Athletic Association (DKAA) is a 45-year-old association. It has conducted athletic meets at national and international levels and contributed toward creating many Olympians for the country.

Bhandary Foundation is a Charitable Trust ® running an educational institution and promoting sports, games and social awareness programmes for more than a decade.

'We want a healthy Mangaluru. Come, all youngsters, women and men, join us for a brighter future'