SHILLONG, JAN 19: The final countdown for the 12th South Asian Games 2016, to be held in Guwahati and Shillong from February 6-16 has begun with the unique ‘Run for North East’ 5km run slated to be held in Shillong on January 21.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, South Asian Games (Shillong) Organising Committee CEO RK Sharma are all set to flag off a unique ‘Run for North East’ 5km run to be in the early hours of January 21, a date which is also celebrated in the state as Meghalaya Day.
Olympic medalist MC Mary Kom, Bollywood actor Milind Soman and other elite athletes and well-known artistes from the state will support the Run for North East to express their solidarity for Meghalaya, which is hosting the South Asian Games for the first time.
The Run for North East is being organised in both the host cities of the 12th South Asian Games, Shillong and Guwahati, on January 21 and 22 respectively, to raise awareness and spread enthusiasm amongst the people of the two cities for the games and also to highlight the achievement of the region in sports. The Run for North East in Shillong will feature a ‘Fun Run’ for an approximately 5,000 participants and a race will also be held for the sportspersons with disabilities.
Participants in the race will gather at Fire Brigade ground at 6:30am on January 21, with the race scheduled to start at 8:30am.
The main event will be preceded by a Zumba dance workout to get the runners warmed up. The event will also tie in a relay conveying the South Asian Games torch from the Fire Brigade ground to Polo grounds.
The race will be followed at Polo grounds with a celebration of music and dance, where chief minister Mukul Sangma will again be joined by MC Mary Kom and other dignitaries.
There are four categories in the race – men, women, paramilitary and people with disabilities. The fun run is open to all those above 16 years old. Participants will receive t-shirts, caps and refreshments.
Pre-distribution of t-shirts and caps for those from participating educational institutions will take place at Polo Grounds on January 20 from 12pm to 3pm.
On this occasion, Union Minister for Sports & Youth Affairs and Chairman-OC 12th South Asian Games, Mr Sarbanada Sonowal said, “The North East region has played a stellar role in bringing laurels to India on the international stage. I’m extremely delighted that the Run for North East will spread the spirit of sportsmanship and enthusiasm for sports further amongst the people of Assam and Meghalaya. This is indeed a proud moment for all of us to host the 12th South Asian Games for the first time in Guwahati and Shillong. I thank my colleagues in the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, Sports Authority of India and OC-SAF Games, the Athletics Federation of India and Government of Assam for conducting the Run for North East and the Torch Relay run for the 12th South Asian Games.”
On this occasion, Meghalaya chief minister Mukul Sangma said, “The people of Meghalaya have a strong connection and affinity for sports, which has played a great role in the development of our youth and future generation. Meghalaya is proud to host the 12th South Asian Games and I’m thankful that the Run for North East and the Torch Relay run will further showcase the passion of its people for sports. I congratulate the organisers of the Run for North East and seek the support of the people of Meghalaya to cheer the sportspersons from all the South Asian countries.”
On this occasion, the President of Athletics Federation of India and Olympian (1980) Adille J. Sumariwalla said, “The AFI has a great connect with the North East as the region has produced a slew of brilliant athletes for the country. It’s extremely gratifying for the AFI to be able to express our gratitude to the people of Assam and Meghalaya by being involved in the conduct of the Run for North East. I’m confident that the 12th South Asian Games will witness dazzling action from the participants and receive overwhelming support of the people from the host states.”
The Run for North East in Shillong and Guwahati is a joint initiative of the Union Ministry of Sports & Youth Affairs, Sports Authority of India, the Athletics Federation of India, Government of Assam and Meghalaya, and OC 12th South Asian Games.
Buses have been arranged for the race participants on January 21 from the following locations:
1 Umshyrpi via Civil Hospital
2 Mawlai Petrol Pump
3 Last Stop
4 Motphran
5 Police Bazaar
6 Savio Juniorate Mawlai
7 Mawroh
8 Nongmensong
9 Umpling
10 Madanriting.-By Our Reporter
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