Daijiworld Media Network - (LD)
Udupi, March 13: The much awaited “Marathon 2011-Run For The Gifted” organized by Department of Commerce started off today, March 13, 2011 at 8.30 a.m. in Manipal ,with great enthusiasm among all the participants. This Marathon event had a special initiative of “Running for the Gifted.” The proceeds from the event were donated to the Asare Project of Archana Trust, Manipal.
The Inaugural ceremony started with the welcoming of the guests by Sandeep Shenoy, Head and I/c, Department of Commerce. K.S. Jaivittal, President, Archana Trust, talking about the Asare Project said on the occasion that Asare helps to make the specially-able children independent, and that the children of Asare have participated in State and National Level sports, and won Gold, Silver as well as Bronze medals. As a mark of appreciation, all the Asare kids participated in the Marathon, which was a 4.1 km run.
Pramod Madhwaraj, Industrialist, Malpe, also spoke on the occasion, emphasizing the fact that “One finger that wipes the tears is more significant than the lips which sings a prayer.” He also appreciated all the participants’ gesture in running for a noble cause like this one, rather than running for their personal benefits. Vilas Nayak, CEO, Hanuman Group of Concerns, Udupi, also addressed the gathering on the occasion. He brought out the idea that this kind of an event encourages people in the society to stop running in their own busy lives and take out some time for causes like these, and provide a helping hand to the deserving.
Head and I/c of Department Of Commerce, Sandeep Shenoy, handed over the cheque of the proceeds from the event to Jaivittal. As a mark of gratitude for their presence, Sandeep Shenoy presented mementos to the dignitaries, while Guru Prasad Rao, Event Coordinator, Department of Commerce, presented the Vote of Thanks. Following this, all the participants proceeded to the starting point as Pramod Madhwaraj cut the ribbon and Vilas Nayak flagged off the marathon.
The marathon was completed by 87 participants. Both the first and second place winners of the Marathon were from Alvas College, Moorbidri, Balliappa A. B and Devanna Naik winning Rs. 5999 and Rs. 3999 respectively. Meanwhile two other participants Samson S. and Anilkumar Adhikar won in the Lucky Draw with a Cash Prize worth Rs. 1000.