From Our Correspondent
TURA: An Olympic Day Run commemorating the establishment of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) was on Saturday organized by the District Sports Officer (DSO) in collaboration with Tura Sports Association (TSA) at Chandmary playground near here.
GHADC CEM Purno K Sangma, who attended the inaugural function as the chief guest, flagged-off the Run. Commending the efforts of the DSO and the TSA for organizing the Olympic Day Run after an absence of four years Sangma also lauded the efforts of the Meghalaya Boxing Association (MBA) for their efforts in promoting boxing in the region.
He stated that on behalf of the GHADC he would be donating Rs 50, 000 for the promotion of boxing in the region.
Illuminating the gathering on the origin of the Olympic Day Run, West Garo Hills District Sports Officer, Jasper P Marak informed that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) was formally established on June 23, 1894 through the efforts of Baron Pierre de Coubertin to promote competitive sport as a revival of the ancient Olympic Games. He stated that on in January 1948, the IOC approved the idea of Olympic Day to commemorate the creation of the IOC on June 23, 1894 in Paris, a sort of “birthday” of the Olympic Movement at the 42nd IOC Session in St. Moritz, Switzerland.
In 1987, in an effort to encourage all National Olympic Committees (NOCs) to commemorate and celebrate Olympic Day, the IOC Sport for All Commission launched the Olympic Day Run concept with the objective of promoting the practice of participation in sport by men, women and children from all corners of the world and all walks of life, regardless of athletic ability.
The first Olympic Day Run was held in 1987, over a distance of 10 km, with 45 participating NOCs. In 2006, there were 161 NOCs promoting Olympic Day Run to their countrymen.
Lamenting the absence of government interventions in the sports scenario of the region, Tura Sports Association President, Billykid Sangma highlighted the need for better infrastructure and sports development initiatives in the Garo Hills.
Later, pugilists from MBA, Shillong demonstrated various boxing techniques to the gathering. The Olympic Run was attended by several thousand enthusiasts from all walks of life.