Run for educating poor children

Chennai, June 4 (UNI) In another instance of sport for a social cause, a 21.09 km marathon for men and women would be run here on August 31 to raise funds and support the education of thousands of poor children through an NGO 'Give Life'.

The marathon, organised by 'Tamil Maiyam' - a forum to popularise Tamil culture and tradition , would have nationally accredited runners participating, including the reigning national champion Kashinath Aswale, Santhosh Kumar and Preeti L Rao.

Another feature of this initiative would be the participation of well known sportspersons from sports like cricket, hockey, football volleyball and basketball, filmstars and Carnatic and Hindustani musicians, Ms Kanimozhi, Rajya Sabha MP and daughter of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, who is one of the founders of the forum, and Fr Jegath Gaspar of 'Tamil Maiyam' announced here today.

He said 'Give Life' would also undertake a 60-day campaign in the districts and rural areas to arouse the spirit of athleticism among youth, motivate and identify potential long distance runners from Tamil Nadu and support their training for 2010 Commonwealth Games.

''This is important in these days of youth whiling away time playing computer games at home and not realising the immense benefits of taking to sports, especially athletics,'' Ms Kanimozhi observed.

The film industry represented by actors Gautami and Prasanth, the world of sport represented by former India cricket captain K Srikkanth, hockey captain Md Riaz, basketball player Sunitha, squash star Joshna Chinnappa, motorsport talent Arman Ibrahim, Carnatic musicians represented by Bombay sisters and Hindustani vocalists represented by Shubha Mudgal were also present to announce their support to the children being cared for by 'Give Life'.

Ms Kanimozhi also inaugurated the registration for the marathon, the route for which would be announced later, by paying the fee.

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