SHILLONG, JULY 22: The Agency for Sustainable Development (AfSDI) is all set to organize the third consecutive “Shillong Run – 2013” a fund raising event as well as an initiative for creating awareness on the need to promote the welfare of the differently-abled and vulnerable sections of the society particularly those residing in remote rural areas of the state.
“We have decided to organize the third Shillong Run on August 3, with an aim to uplift and promote the welfare of the neglected section of the society,” AfSDI director Rev AT Sohtun told reporters at a news conference on Monday.
Rev Sohtun informed the idea is to bring people with disabilities to the mainstream.” He said, “We believe that disability is not the end of the road. With this event, we are looking forward to provide the best opportunity for the people with disabilities.”
Started in the 2011, Rev Sohtun remarked that the Shillong Run 2011 and 2012 was a major success as the fund that was raised has enabled the agency to construct the school building for the Rev. Amirkha School for Disabled at Mawlai and Mairang Vidyajyoti Inclusive School at Mairang.
At present, the school has 124 students out of which 28 are children with disabilities.
Rev Sohtun informed that in 2011, the agency has raised Rs 12 lakh while last year it was Rs 7.40 lakh from the Shillong Run. “This has allowed the agency to provide better facilities for formal, non-formal and vocational educational to the students,” he added.
The event would be held at Polo parking lot. Rev Sohtun said, “This year, we expected that around 1500 people including schools and general public would participate in the event.”
The run will be flag-off by the state health minister AL Hek. It will have two categories, senior category (14 years and above) and junior category (below 14 years). The registration fee for students will be Rs 50 while for others is Rs 100. – By Our Reporter
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