Dr. Shikha Mishra
Run for Thalassemia Draws 530 Participants, Promotes Awareness and Blood Donation
Lead Reporting
Dehradun: More than 530 runners participated in the 'Run for Thalassemia Marathon', organised by the non-profit Veera Foundation, as the event combined fitness, awareness and voluntary blood donation to support thalassemia patients and promote a healthier society.
The five-kilometre marathon, flagged off from Pavilion Ground by Uttarakhand Sports Minister Rekha Arya, saw Rohit emerge as the winner in the boys' category, while Deepanjali Yadav secured first place in the girls' category. Arjun and Himanshu finished second and third, respectively, in the boys' category, while Sonakshi and Aradhana claimed the corresponding positions in the girls' event.
Addressing the gathering, Rekha Arya said sports inspire people to remain physically fit, persevere through challenges and foster social harmony. She urged young people to spend less time on mobile phones and actively participate in outdoor sports and physical activities.
Veera Foundation CEO Dr. Ritu Dobhal reaffirmed the organisation's commitment to supporting the government's vision of a thalassemia-free Uttarakhand through awareness campaigns, blood donation drives and counselling initiatives for patients and their families.
A blood donation camp organised in collaboration with City Blood Bank witnessed participation from more than 25 voluntary blood donors, whose contributions will benefit children suffering from thalassemia.
On the occasion, Dr. Anil Verma, who has donated blood 155 times and has been actively promoting voluntary blood donation since 1980, was honoured with the 'Thalassemia Warrior Award' for his lifelong contribution to supporting thalassemia patients and organising awareness campaigns. All blood donors were also presented with Certificates of Appreciation in recognition of their service.
The event was attended by Director of Medical Education Dr. Ajay Arya, GB Pant University Dean Dr. Rajeev Ranjan, Rotary Club Dehradun Central President Advocate Anjana Sahni, national athlete Jitendra Gupta, and several other distinguished guests, who lauded Veera Foundation's efforts towards public health awareness and social welfare.
Medals and certificates were presented to the top 15 boys and top 15 girls, while trophies and prizes were sponsored by Brass Gift Point and Rotary Club Dehradun Central. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Veera Foundation Chief Operating Officer Vinod Dobhal.
