CYG '08 press club launched

Pune, Mar 26 (UNI) The Commonwealth Youth Games (CYG) 2008 Press Club was launched today to provide all the relevant details to mediapersons from time to time during the games.

Bank of Maharashtra General Manager (Planning and Development) B K Piparaiya formally inaugurated the Press Club under the chairmanship of GTCC Vice Chairman Prof Balasaheb Landge, who is also the secretary general of Maharashtra Olympic Association (MOA).

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Piparaiya said the Press Club will continue to function even after CYG 2008. There is a dire need to have scientific and technical know-how from time to time for the benefit of sportspersons, coaches and journalists, Mr Piparaiya added.

Minister of state for Petroleum Dinshaw Patel announced on the occasion that Pune will get CNG before the commencement of the games.

National Sports Trust (NST) President Manisha Ghate (Kondhalkar), who is also the first Jijamata awardee, said that before the rainy season, races would be held for tree plantation drive to make the CYG 2008 truly Green Games.

Under this scheme, races will be held at Balewadi, Ghorpadi, Hadapsar, Dhairy and Katraj. The winners will be given cash prize and special trophies, Ms Ghate informed.

The Press Club will hold its first meeting on March 30, which will herald a symbolic state level race to educate the masses regarding the importance of environment and ecology. This in fact would be the actual launch of the Press Club.

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