Sarthak Kanjilal & Francis Ekka
Port Blair, Feb 14: The Make My Trip, Andaman Marathon today received overwhelming response from sports enthusiasts, supporters, media, police, defence, Administration and all other sections of these Islands.
Thousands of enthusiasts including sports lovers, professional runners, amateurs, officials, children and even senior citizens today gathered infront of Cellular Jail this morning to participate in the Marathon, which ended without any hiccups.
Lt. Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lt. Gen (Retd.) A K Singh today flagged off the Marathon in the presence of famous TV and Movie actress Mandira Bedi.
The Andaman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has exhibited exceptional professionalism in organizing this major event.
In his address at the concluding function held at the Netaji Stadium later this morning, the Lt Governor said these Islands posses many qualities; one among them being the ‘undying spirit of the Islanders’. “This spirit was reflected in the Andaman Marathon -2016 in which young boys, ladies and senior citizens participated in the right earnest. “Three cheers to the spirit that enables the Islanders take part in such events”, an elated Lt Governor said.
Complementing the organizers and the sponsors for successfully conducting the event, the Lt. Governor suggested for fixing the first Sunday of February month every year for ‘Andaman Marathon’. The Lt. Governor further desired that greater publicity should be given to the event, well in advance, so as to clarify all doubts; and encourage more participation. Turning to sports in the Islands, the Lt. Governor emphasized that these Islands are very much connected with sports. Football is still a favorite game in Carnicobar, said the the Lt Governor, also mentioning about Debroah, the Ace cyclist from these Islands; now ranked no. 4 in the World. “No Indian has achieved such a feat”, the Lt Governor said and hoped that Deborah will continue to bring greater laurel to the Islands in the years to come.
The Lt Governor also mentioned about the Martial Art team which stood second in the All India Level in National Games. “I was amazed to see that our young boys and girls have brought such laurels to these Islands”, the Lt Governor said.
The Lt Governor showered all praise for the A&N contingent which participated in the National Games and brought laurels to the Islands. All the States and UTs participated in the games and our Island team remained in 17th position which, the Lt Governor said, is a great achievement. The girls alone have won 12 to 13 medals, a beaming Lt Governor said, urging the boys to come forward and show their mettle too.
About the Islands, the Lt Governor said those residing here and those who visit these Islands are indeed lucky to enjoy such peace, tranquility and smile on everybody’s face. “Andaman & Nicobar is a true representation of the Constitution of India”, the proud Lt Governor added.
The Lt Governor concluded his speech by saying “Sports is high on my radar. We are making progress slowly but steadily; and will provide adequate opportunities to our young boys and girls; enabling them to realize their true potentials”.
The Lt. Governor and Ms Bedi gave away trophies and cash prizes to the winners of different categories of the event in the function. The Lt Governor also presented a memento to Ms Mandira Bedi on the occasion.
Earlier during the flag off ceremony, Ms Bedi pepped up the spirit of the participants and said that running is like meditation which gives peace to the mind; and wished them good luck.
Soon after flagging off the Marathon, the celebrity guest Ms Bedi, accompanied by the Lt. Governor, took a cycle ride from Cellular Jail along the shore of South Point to enjoy the scenic beauty and ambience of A&N Islands.
Addressing the gathering during the prize distribution ceremony, Ms Bedi expressed profound joy in being part of the Andaman Marathon-2016. She hailed the serene beauty and tranquility of the Islands and lauded the sportsmanship spirit of the Islanders right from young children to the youth and senior citizens, who showed great eagerness and actively participated in the event. Urging the participants to continue being fit and healthy, Ms Mandira Bedi remarked that Andaman Marathon will grow tremendously and garner popularity in the coming days. She also shared her experience of the Islands and the short cycle sightseeing she undertook this morning.
In the Marathon, the Kenyan runners; both male and female; walked away with first, second and third prizes for (21K men & women) open half marathon.
Shri Anoop Arora handed over a cheque of Rs 50,000 to the Lt Governor for distribution among the Islander category winners. This prize money has been instituted in memory of late Krishanji Arora (Guru Uncle), a great sports enthusiast of these Islands.
The President ACCI, Shri Girish Arora presented mementoes to the Lt. Governor and other dignitaries on the occasion. Shri Abhijit Agrawal, through his compeering and running commentary of the Marathon impressed one and all present at the Stadium.
The MakeMy trip Andaman Marathon was organized by the Andaman Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ACCI), The ACCI President, Shri Girish Arora proposed the vote of thanks at the end of the prize distribution ceremony.
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