Gangtok, December 1 (IPR): Boxing coach and Dronacharya awardee, Smt. Sandhya Gurung, flagged off the first Red Run Marathon on the occasion of World AIDS Day at M.G. Marg in Gangtok, today.
The programme was organized by Sikkim State Aids Control Society (SSACS) in collaboration with the "Service to Mankind" group. The main objective of the programme was to sensitize the public about HIV/AIDS and awareness about the disease. The message also included shunning stigmatization of AIDS patients in a society and sensitization of HIV/AIDS National Toll-Free number-1097.
The theme of this year's programme was "End Inequalities, End AIDS, End Pandemics."
The event also observed as Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav included various activities like signature campaign, story telling, skit, theme-based songs and prize distributions. Free HIV Testing was also conducted during the programme.
A total number of 115 (13-17 years old) participants from all the districts participated in the 21 kms marathon and 78 (13-17 year old) participants took part in 10 kms walkathon. The participants were also given cash prizes and certificates.
A candle light memorial to commemorate the lives of people who have died of AIDS-related causes was also held.
The programme had the presence of Project Director-cum-Additional Director, Health Services and SSACS, Dr. P.K. Basnett, Assistant Director, SSACS, Ms Lubhana Namnu, Medical Officer, ART Centre, Dr. Pramila Giri, Counselor, ICTC at CRH Manipal, SSACS, Smt. Chandra Kala Sharma, Social Activist-cum-Member, Recovering Users Network (RUN), doctors and nurses, officials from rehabilitation centres, members from SSACS and various Health Services