An absolute thrilling first time experience! I'm glad I could finish the race (& so did Jenson Button! ;) A big thank you to all those who contributed, and more so to the unsung heroes who work selflessly for the welfare of the disabled children.
Pics and videos from the event are available on the link at the left of this page. Here's the results page & the event Facebook page.
Cheers,
Amieya.
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About the Triathalon & the Cause: The London triathalon consisted of 400m swimming in the Thames (London Excel), 10km cycling and 2.5km running. I completed the triathalon in 1 hour 12 minutes. There are primarily two causes I want to dedicate this event to, so let me take a moment to describe these further:
- 1.) Education needs of underprivedged:
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- Asha Lata (meaning "twine of hope"): is a school for disabled and underprivedged children in Bokaro Steel City (Jharkhand) run by some retired SAIL (Steel Authority of India Ltd.) employees. Asha Lata operates primarily from personal funds & donations of benefactors and NGOs. The school has around 165 students and they come from varied backgrounds from neighbouring suburban areas with disabilities like blindness, hearing impaired, polio, orthopedically challenged children etc.
- One of the main motives of the organization, beyond mere education, is to ensure the adoption of disabled people within the mainstream of society. This has seen some good results recently in graduates of school landing jobs in Government offices and in teaching roles, although the challenges still are extremely tough. (One blind child artist- a tabla player of the school has been priveledged with the honour of playing at the White House among a delegation of the Indian cultural team.)
- The primary expenses involved for the organization are-
- Teachers: Most teachers are paid nominal wages (ranging from Rs. 3k to Rs. 5k), the teachers themselves are enthusiastic volunteers who have accepted the role as against more lucrative teaching jobs in private schools.
- Transportation: Most students reside in suburbs and neighboring areas, and the school rents "trekkars" and other modes of transport to get them in. This is one of the major costs incurred.
- Other admin: The school estate is donated by SAIL, other admin costs involve the day to day running costs, events (e.g. cultural shows, particpation in competitions/games for disabled, teaching equipments etc.). With the help of local Rotary Club, the school recently started a computer center. We are working with suppliers/ partners to source more advanced hardware and software for the partially blind and other disabled children to use these computers effectively.
- Ways we can help:
- Any sum donated would be used towards the betterment of the cause. As little as Rs.3500 (~£45) could go towards sponsoring the education of a single child for a full year. The amount donated (~£800; just over Rs. 60,000) through this event has been greatly appreciated by the students and staff; (the last time such an amount was donated was from the Governor of the state who donated an amount of Rs. 50,000)
- As a general policy, the organization has never sought for specific amounts from individuals or Government. (Moreover, Asha Lata has intentionally stayed beyond the realm of Government grants, as these inevitably come attached with numerous administrative burecracies & hassles, that jeopardize the very nature of selflessness & indepnedence it stands for.)
- 2.) Initiative in the field of general health:
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- Shuruat: This organization consists of like minded individuals (including some established doctors and consultants in UK) who seek to use their hard earned skills and knowledge towards the betterment of health for the underpriveldged. The kind of projects envisaged include free health check-up for the needy, child/ women health, sharing of knowledge and generating awareness towards common health and hygiene issues.
- Ways we can help:
- Shuruat aims to effectively bring along the right resources, talent and undertake investment and fund management for projects dedicated towards a common cause. We seek to target right institutions where we can make a difference using the expertise of experts. Conducting basic health checkup, blood tests, ENT (Eye, nose, throat) checkup, vaccination camps, women & child health etc. are targetted by the organization as a first small step forward.
- Shuruat aims to effectively bring along the right resources, talent and undertake investment and fund management for projects dedicated towards a common cause. We seek to target right institutions where we can make a difference using the expertise of experts. Conducting basic health checkup, blood tests, ENT (Eye, nose, throat) checkup, vaccination camps, women & child health etc. are targetted by the organization as a first small step forward.
Manavata shares its common ideas towards health and education for underpriveldged and has worked selflessly over the years towards the cause.
Gratias
Once again thanks for visiting my fundraising page. Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. If you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.
Best wishes,
Amieya & the entire team supporting me. - Any sum donated would be used towards the betterment of the cause. As little as Rs.3500 (~£45) could go towards sponsoring the education of a single child for a full year. The amount donated (~£800; just over Rs. 60,000) through this event has been greatly appreciated by the students and staff; (the last time such an amount was donated was from the Governor of the state who donated an amount of Rs. 50,000)
- Asha Lata (meaning "twine of hope"): is a school for disabled and underprivedged children in Bokaro Steel City (Jharkhand) run by some retired SAIL (Steel Authority of India Ltd.) employees. Asha Lata operates primarily from personal funds & donations of benefactors and NGOs. The school has around 165 students and they come from varied backgrounds from neighbouring suburban areas with disabilities like blindness, hearing impaired, polio, orthopedically challenged children etc.
