Bengaluru: The 12th edition of Samarthanam Bengaluru Walkathon 2016 with the theme, “I support Cricket for the Blind… Do you?” was held at Kittur Rani Chennamma Stadium in Bengaluru. The objective of Walkathon was to support cricket for the visually impaired and also spread awareness on the upcoming 2nd T20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind, 2017, being hosted in India.

Over 10,000 people that included corporate companies, NGOs, General Public, Partners, Students and the Differently abled showed their support for Cricket for the Blind by taking the walk. The Walkathon was flagged off from the Kittur Rani Chennamma Stadium, Jayanagara and proceeded towards Jayanagar 4th Block, 3rd Block, South End Road and finally culminated at the Kittur Rani Chennamma Stadium. As a part of Walkathon 2016, a Blind Cricket demo match was played by the Indian Blind Cricket Team players and the occasion also saw a wheel chair distribution programme by Samarthanam.

The event was flagged off by Shri Ramalinga Reddy, Transport Minister, Govt. of Karnataka in the presence of Mr.Mahantesh GK, Founder Managing Trustee of Samarthanam trust for the Disabled and President of Cricket association for the Blind in India (CABI). The launch was also presided by Guests of Honour, Mr.Vijayakumar, MLA Jayanagar, Mr.Nagaraju, BBMP CorporatorByrasandra Ward, Mr.Vasanth Kumar, Executive Director, Lifestyle International, Mr.RajagopalanAlwar, President, Time Inc,Ms.IndumatiNetimi CFO, Time Inc, India and Mr.Srikanata S Narayan, Vice President & Head, Ciber India.

Participating in the walkathon Shri Ramalinga Reddy, The Honourable Transport Minister, Govt. Of Karnataka said, “I am proud to be a part of the 12th Bengaluru Walkathon spreading awareness on the possibilities for the visually impaired to lead a normal aspirational life and support the cause of Cricket for the Blind ahead of the 2nd T20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind in 2017. Sport is a great way to bring normalcy to the lives of the differently abled and provide them with a certain degree of financial independence. Close to half of the world’s total visually impaired population are in India, each one of us can make a huge difference to their lives by pledging our eyes. I request my fellow citizens to pledge their eyes and join the eye donation movement.”

The funds raised through walkathon will be pooled towards organizing the upcoming 2nd T20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind, scheduled to be played between 29th January and 12th February 2017, across multiple cities in India. To contribute towards 2ndT20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind 2017, please visit www.blindcricket.in.

Speaking after culmination of the Walkathon, Mr.Mahantesh GK, Founder Managing Trustee, Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, said “I am extremely delighted the way Walkathon 2016 has raised awareness for the cause of Cricket for the Blind. I would like to thank each and every sponsor, partner, media and participant for upholding this noble cause. Cricket for the blind is a great platform to encourage visually impaired players, foster their cricketing career and lives, and by having walked together today we express our solidarity, concern and care for people with disability.”

Mr.RajagopalanAlwar, President, Time Inc. India said, “At Time Inc, we believe that communities help build connections across the company, where bright minds collaborate, engage and inspire one another through learning, mentoring, networking and volunteering events for specific causes. The purpose of this initiative is to provide employees with an opportunity to contribute to the development of communities in Bangalore, as a part of our commitment to make a difference in their lives. This program also offers an excellent opportunity for our employees to leverage their professional expertise and skills for the benefit of the larger society. We are deeply delighted to be able to do our bit in supporting this initiative by Samarthanam for Cricket for the Blind.”

Mr.Srikanata S Narayan, Vice President & Head, Ciber India averred, “Ciber India’s CSR program, Care firmly believes in enabling the underprivileged communities of our country with skills and platforms that can benefit them both economically and emotionally. Today, we are extremely happy to be a part of Samarthanam and the 12th Bengaluru Walkathon.”

About Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled: Registered as a Trust in 1997, Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled has been working towards creating education and livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities and from underserved communities. The larger vision of our organization is to work towards an inclusive society which provides equal opportunities for all.
More details on our website: www.samathanam.org

For More details please contact:
Mr.Niranjan
Media Coordinator –Media@samarthanam.org
9686927288 / 8072258679