Airtel Delhi Half Marathon 2013 helps raise

over Rs 4.15 crore for charity

PRESS RELEASE                                                        FEBRUARY 14, 2014

It was another record-breaking edition of the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon. The 6^th edition of the world’s most prestigious half marathon not only witnessed a record number of participants on December 15, 2013, but also saw the charity platform associated with the event garner the highest amount of funds.

The selfless efforts put in by the citizens of Delhi and other parts of the country to raise charity for causes of their choice, is ample evidence that their heart not only beats for sport, health and fitness, but also cares for the less fortunate.

The charity drive associated with the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon, spearheaded by official Charity Partner, Concern India Foundation, helped cross the Rs 4-crore mark again, raising Rs. 4.15 crore towards charity, the highest figure in the history of the event.

The Airtel Delhi Half Marathon is developing into the capital city’s most awaited sporting and social event and like previous editions, the event has helped bring Delhi together like never before. People from all strata of society shared a common platform in a celebration of the human spirit. Each Participant who finished on time and even the ones who did not, on the race day, were winners in their own way.

Every single person associated with the event gave their best to ensure that the Race Day was an operational success. Title sponsors Airtel showed the way with their vision and belief and left no stone unturned in their efforts to spread the message of friendship to every part of Delhi and its surroundings. The concerted, selfless efforts from the officials of departments that coordinate the governance of Delhi, provided the base for promoters Procam International and its volunteers to ensure that the mammoth operation of putting together the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon went off well.

The event also proved to be a great platform for the country to give towards causes. Money raised showed a Rs 11 lakh growth from last year’s figure of Rs 4.04 crore, grossing above Rs. 4.15 crore and counting. This was announced by Kavita Shah of Concern Indian Foundation the official Charity Partner at a Press Meet and Greet session at the Hotel Le Meridien, the official hosts, on Friday.

In the six years of the event, since 2008, the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon has helped raise a total of Rs. 18.42 crore for charity.

Sharing the stage with Concern India Foundation was Shri Ajit M. Sharan, Secretary, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India, who officially released the Charity Docket. Also present on the occasion was Meena Bhatia, Vice President, Marketing & Operations, Le Meridien and Vivek B Singh of Procam International, the promoters of the event.

Shri Ajit M. Sharan said on the occasion: “I appreciate all the fund raisers here who contributed in the various causes. I also complement Mr. Vivek B Singh, Jt. MD of Procam International who initiated this platform to raise funds for the causes. I believe that this is just a beginning, this country has immense potential to work together for various issues and causes.”

Concern India Foundation, as the official charity partner will start distributing the funds among the participating NGOs as per the specific contributions pledged by the corporates and individual donors.

The Season of Giving: The Corporate Challenge was completely sold out, with 79 companies fielding 102 teams. Together these teams raised more than Rs 2.70 crore (Rs. 2,70,71,647).

Fluor Daniel won the “Company with Highest Employee Contribution” tag, raising Rs 1.75 lakhs in support of Khushboo Welfare Society.

Four Dream Challengers (Ajay Bakaya, Dhruv Bhagat, M. P. Deepu, and Richard Rekhy) and 19 Dream Makers together raised over Rs. 96.92 lakh this year.

Richard Rekhy and PVV Srinivasa Rao were the highest pledge raisers in the Dream Team this year, raising a stunning Rs 16.54 lakhs and Rs 5.14 lakhs in favour of Concern India Foundation and Bharti Foundation respectively. Madhur Dhupar, at 14 years of age, emerged the Youngest Dream Teamer and raised Rs 2.03 lakh in support of Concern India Foundation.

The I Pledge category chipped in with their bit, and the single largest pledge raiser was Priyanain Sawhney, who raised Rs 2.46 lakhs in support of Aarth Astha, followed by Ian McBride, who raised 2.16 lakh in support of Etasha Society.

Bharti Foundation emerged the highest pledge raising corporate foundation once again with Rs 1.26 crore, while Khushboo Welfare Society was the highest pledge raising NGO with Rs 16.35 lakhs.

Following are the Dream Challengers (Individuals who made a commitment to raise a minimum of Rs 4 lakhs for their given cause): Richard Rekhy,  raised Rs 16,54,502 in support of the Concern India Foundation; Ajay Bakaya, raised Rs.10,36,240 in support of the Pragati; M. P. Deepu raised Rs.5,35,941 in support of the Bharti Foundation.

Following is the list of Dream Makers (Individuals who made a commitment to raise a minimum of Rs 1.5 lakh for their given cause):

PVV Srinivasa Rao; Ajay Chitkara; Madhur Dhupar.

As the official charity partner, Concern India Foundation will ensure that the funds are disbursed to 70 NGO’s as earmarked by each individual runner or company. The funds raised through the marathon will help reach out to thousands of needy people all over India helping a wide range of causes.

“I would, wholeheartedly, like to thank the participants of Airtel Delhi Half Marathon, who come together year after year and spend so much time and energy to make a difference in the lives of the less privileged. We hope you continue to help those working for the development of our country by supporting their commitment to raising funds, awareness and hope for a brighter tomorrow.” said Kavita Shah, CEO, Concern India Foundation.

Concern India Foundation is a registered, non-profit charitable trust working towards its objective of ‘Helping People Help Themselves’ by making the disadvantaged self-reliant. Set up in 1991, its supports over 270 programmes across India, working in the areas of education, health and community development Through various forms of financial and non financial support, Concern India Foundation helps bring about a positive change in the lives of cover 2,75,000 destitute children, youth, differently abled people, women and the aged each year, thereby enabling them to lead a life of dignity.

The tremendous response from the people of India to the charity drive associated with the event has proved that they share the belief and vision of the people behind the event. Though eight years is an apt yardstick by any standards to gauge that the event has stood the test of time, it is the support and backing of the people at large that secures its future for years to come.

Title Sponsor: Bharti Airtel

Supported by the Government of Delhi & Sports Authority of India

Under the aegis of the Athletic Federation of India (AFI)

Promoted by Procam International

For further information, please contact:

Concern Indian Foundation

Gunjan Lal - 011-41622511

Procam International - Bruno Goveas - +91 98201 85612

Concept PR – Animesh Biswas +91 9891789639;

    Abhay Pratap Singh +91 9818413169