On Your Mark Get Set Go…19th Annual Rotary Orphanage Olympics Kicks Off
Mangaluru: Rotary Club of Mangaluru Central jointly with Rotaract Club of Mangaluru City organized their “19th Annual Rotary Orphanage Olympics” and Cultural meet on Sunday 19 November at Ramakrishna College Campus_Mangaluru. This daylong event of Sports And Cultural carnival is organized as part of clubs community development project, and more than 600 children residing in 11 different orphanages namely Stella Maris Convent- Kotekar; Bhagini Samaj, Jeppu; Bala Yesu Nilaya-Mary Hill; Zeenath Baksh Yateemkhana -Bunder; Ishwarananda Sevasharam-Kankanady; Swami Shradhanand Sevashram-Arya Samaj Road (All from Mangaluru); De Mercede Orphanage- Paneer; Aloysian Boys Home-Someshwar; Abahya Mandira-Assaigoli; and Bala Sambrakshama Kendra- Kuttarpadau; operating in and around Mangaluru participated in this Grand event.
Organizing committee chairman Rtn. Dr Devdas Rai welcomed the gathering and also briefed about the event which has been conducted for the last 19 years. City Commissioner of Police T.R. Suresh who graced the occasion as chief guest inaugurate the meet by lighting the lamp and also releasing the balloons in the air, along with other dignitaries on the dais namely-Rotary Dist 3181 zone II Asst. Governor Rtn. Naveen Kumar; Rtn Dr B Devdas Rai-Chairman-Organizing Committee; Rtn Raymond D’Cunha- President, Rotary Club of Mangalore Central; Rtn PP Prakashchandra-Secretary, RC Mangalore Central; Er Sanath Shetty along with his mother- representing All Cargo, the main donor of the event; Rtr Pavithra Acharya -President, Rotaract Club of Mangalore City; Rtr Sharath- Secretary, Rotaract Club of Mangalore City, among others.
Addressing the gathering PC TR Suresh said, “We all should commend Rotary Club Mangalore Central for taking this initiative in providing an opportunity for these less privileged children from various orphanages who otherwise don’t get a chance often. We all know that sports are inextricably tied to the notion of childhood. But for children in orphanages and impoverished communities, sports are not an option. This robs them of some of the most important experiences of childhood. But sports event like this one will give children access to sports by creating formal and informal teams consisting of children in orphanages. Whether an improvised game on a dirt lot or an official tournament, sport plays an important role in improving physical and mental health, social inclusion and connections with caring adults. Once again I compliment Rotary members for playing an vital in the life of these orphanage kids and making a difference in their lives. Best of luck to the children in their sport events”.
Also speaking during the occasion Dr Devdas Rai said, “Our Club had initiated this fun fare festival of sports and cultural events in the year 1996. It is its aim to provide platform for the enthusiastic children on this special day to display their hidden cultural talents and also their sporting skills. It is a rare opportunity provided to them to come to the mainstream -and it is also a sense of freedom and a feeling of enjoyment and a memorable day for them in their life”.
After the spectacular and colourful March past by the different teams, children’s showcased their sports skills and will unleash cultural Talents in the afternoon..The Inter Orphanage sports event comprises of 100 mtrs Running Race, Frog Race, Sack Race, Lemon & Spoon Race, Book balancing Race and Tug of war. After lunch, the cultural competition will begin. R.I. Dist 3181 Governor Elect Rtn. Rohinath will be the chief guest at the valedictory function to held at 5.00 pm and award the prizes to the winners and present the trophy to the team champions.