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The Khel Vikas (KV) Run returns after its debut last year and will be hosted this time around on Sunday the 14th of September, 2014. The Run will commence from Tamana village and will conclude at Gram Vikas’ Campus, Mohuda. Pro Sport Development is hoping to continue this tradition, after last year’s 5K barefoot run turned out to be a tremendous success.
Last year, Pro Sport Development organised a 5K Barefoot Run to raise shoes for the underprivileged children studying at the four Gram Vikas schools across Odisha. Many of the children involved in the race had never owned a pair of shoes before. The barefoot run had fantastic support throughout the event from numerous volunteers and as a result we raised 1,200 shoes from the event.
Like last year, the competition will have both male and female participants, divided into two categories — under 14 and over 14. Prizes and medals will be awarded to the top three boys and girls in each category, while other participants in both age groups will be awarded certificiates for their participation. More than 600 people are expected to participate in this year’s edition, with schools and colleges all over Berhampur to turnout for the event.
The organisation believes that the KV Run is a perfect way for children to ascertain their flair for running, providing them with an opportunity to excel. The run aims to generate interest and encourage children to train competitively at various levels. Similarly, the run will also help schools to determine the sporting potential within these children and introduce different sports to their PE curriculum. Khel Vikas already conducts athletic programs for the children at Gram Vikas High School at Kankia and it is hoped that this Run could inspire more children to join the program.
The Director-founder of Pro Sport Development, Mr Suheil Tandon, is honoured to take the run into its second year of existence and continue this tradition, “The Khel Vikas Run is a great opportunity to generate interest in youth for regular participation in sporting activity. It also allows young athletes a chance to display their athletic talent on a bigger platform”.
Marathons and long-distance running events have become a regular feature in the Indian sports event calendar, specifically within large metros cities and higher income groups. But, this joy of running, especially in an organised manner and within a competitive setting, is missing in rural India, especially among those that normally cannot afford to attend larger marathons. Pro Sport Development is breaking these barriers, through its KV Run, and bringing the joy of running to the rural youth of India. It is hoped that the organisation can aid in organising more such running events on a regular basis across the state of Odisha and beyond, and involve the rural youth of India.
