Hyderabad, December 1st, 2019 : Aditya Mehta Foundation and CRPF, hosted the 'Solidarity Run and Ride' in support of the cause, to show solidarity and raise awareness for Para-Athletes, on the eve of the World Disability Day (3rd December), on Sunday at the People's Plaza. The 'Solidarity Run and Ride' was flagged-off by H.E. Dr. Tamilsai Soundararajan, Hon’ble Governor of Telangana. Also present were Dr. SK Joshi, IAS, Chief Secretary, Govt of Telangana; Shri M.R. Naik, IG, CRPF; Shri Raja Mouli, Film Director; Ms. Lakshmi Manchu, Actress; Shri Anjani Kumar, Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad; Shri Jayesh Ranjan, Principal Secretary, IT; Smt. Vanita Datla, VC & MD, Elico Ltd & AMF Trustee; Ms, Shilpa Reddy, Former Mrs. India & AMF Trustee; Shri Shobhu Yarlagadda, CEO, M/s ARKA Media Works, Producer Baahubali & AMF Trustee; Shri Dinakar Babu, IAS, MD, Sports Auhtority of Telangana; Shri K Durga Prasad, IPS, Ex DG CRPF & AMF Trustee & Aditya Mehta, Founder of the Aditya Mehta Foundation.
The Run and Ride had an overwhelming response, with able-bodied enthusiasts showcasing enormous support to the cause and expressing solidarity, by participating in large numbers. Over 7000 participants took part in the various races at the Solidarity Run and Ride, including 10k cycle ride; 10k run and 5k run.
We would like to show that disabled people can accomplish as much or even better than many able-bodied people. It is also an opportunity to spread the word that road accidents is a major cause disability and that the Police plays a critical role in preventing such accidents and disability, says Aditya Mehta.
The event was supported by CRPF, Hyderabad Police, Cyberabad Police, Sports Authority of Telangana, Rachakonda Police; National Police Academy, CISF, Mindspace Raheja, Bharathi Cements, Flash, Aurobindo Pharma, B.N Rathi and Sons, HMDA, Continental Hospitals, Kotak Mahindra, SCSC, Macromedia, Mighty Events, Vajra Events, Aparna, and Hyderabad Runners.
About Aditya Mehta Foundation
Aditya Mehta Foundation has been helping athletes with disabilities to pursue sports since 2013. After becoming disabled, a person's life changes drastically- he becomes, depressed and dependant. As per the country's latest statistics, an estimated 2.1 percent of the Indian population has a disability; a humbling figure of over 26 million people.12.2% (43.04 lakh) out of its 3.52 crore population, as per 2011 census in the new Telangana state, are disabled and they could be suffering from one or more forms of disabilities.
The core aim of AMF is to motivate people who have lost their limbs to first bring a sense of purpose in their life and divert it towards sports and second to give them the opportunities and facilities to reach excellence in Para sports. AMF empowers all those who lost their limbs and to help them gain a sense of achievement and dignity through sports from grass root levels. This foundation has been set up by Aditya Mehta.
AMF recently launched Asia’s 1st Para-Sports Rehabilitation and Training Academy. The training academy will train Divyangans from across the country, in basic level in 15 para-sports at the Academy, including Para Cycling, Para Archery, Para Shooting, Para skating, Para power lifting, Rowing and Canoeing, Para judo, Para Badminton, Para boccia, Para table tennis, Para volleyball, Para triathlon, Para Athletic and Para Swimming.
