More than 17,000 people on Sunday participated in the 6km First Islamabad Mini Marathon dedicated to tsunami victims and for ensuring relief and contributions for the victims. Participants started gathering in F-9 park at about 9 am and were issued a coupon, containing two parts. These participants were required to complete the race around the perimeter of F-9 park within 90 minutes.
The race, organised under the auspices of Islamabad Capital Territory administration started at about 12pm from the gate opening towards Sector E-9.
The race, opened for all age groups, turned right towards Shaheen Chowk and from there followed the perimeter wall of F-9 park along the road from Shaheen Chowk to the T&T Chowk, again turning right towards Sector F-10.
From the corner of F-9 park, the runners turned right to finish in front of the gate opening towards Sector F-10.
The first part of the coupons was collected before the start of the race while second part of the coupon was deposited on completion of race for a draw to distribute over 200 prizes of different kinds.
Elaborate arrangements were made for the event and all roads around F-9 park remained close for the traffic from 11:30am to 2pm.
Colour television, DVD players, sports cycle and mobile phones were awarded to first five positions holders while track suits and joggers were given to the next 15 position holders.
A ballot for other 200 prizes was held for the remaining participants during musical programme by EP group.
Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, who was the chief guest, gave away prizes to position holders and also announced a contribution of Rs100,000 in the President's fund for tsunami victims.
He appealed to philanthropists to contribute generously to help the victims.
Advisor to PM on Women Development Nilofar Bakhtiar appreciated ICT for holding this public event.
She appealed well-to-do people to come forward for serving the tsunami victims with their contributions.
Federal Minister for Labour, Manpower and Overseas Pakistanis Ghulam Sarwar Khan, State Minister for Finance Omar Ayub Khan, several MNAs and people from different walks of life especially students and youths attended the event as a mark of solidarity and unity with the tsunami victims.
Talking to APP, the chief commissioner said the ICT had given an aid of Rs 5 million to Red Crescent for the help of tsunami victims.
He said the district administration has established several camps to collect relief goods for the victims and people are contributing generously in these camps.
The joint prayer was also held for the victims at the end of the programme.
Comments
Comments are closed.