Coke and NYK launch Rural Games in K'taka

Bangalore, Aug 29 (UNI) Soft drinks manufacturer Coca-Cola and Nehru Yuva Kendra (NYK) today announced the launch of 'Thums Up Rural Games" in Karnataka with former sprint queen Ashwini Nachappa unveiling the logo of the Games.

Coco-Cola India Vice President (Public Affairs and Communication) Deepak Jolly said that the Rural Games conducted last year in Andhra Pradesh received overwhelming response and it encouraged the company to launch it in Karnataka this year.

The Games would channelise energies of rural youth for creative activities and would help in sustainable development, he added.

Replying to a question, he said that it was proposed to introduce similar Games Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra later.

The Games, beginning from September One, would be held in six Centers -- Gadag, Belgaum, Shimoga, Bellary, Tumkur and Ramanagaram Districts in the next three weeks. The events include Kabbadi, Volleyball, Sack race for men and tennicoit and 100 meters relay race for women. The Prize and Certificate distribution would be held in Ramanagara on September 20. The Prize money ranges between Rs 5000 to Rs 10,000.

Speaking after unveiling the Logo, Ashwini Nachappa, lauding the initiative in promoting sports culture at the rural level said, "It is very important to encourage local talent among rural communities.

Such initiative would be good tool to harness talent while promoting camaraderie and social bonding." Nehru Yuvaka Kendra Sanghatan Zonal Director Cheluvaraj said that though there have been efforts to lead rural communities to a healthy way of life through sports and games activities, a lot needs to be done to justify it and to promote rural and ethnic games.

UNI