The Thai Sikh Run is back for the 21st year. The next charity run Jan 25, 2015, is expected to attract 2,500 runners and raise about THB500,000.
As in the past, the run organised by Young Thai Sikh Association (YTSA) will present the proceeds to Thailand King Bhumibol Adiulyadej whose office would distribute it to the needy oganisations as they deem fit.
“We don’t make much from sale of shirts and the event itself, but we have some big sponsors,” one member of the run organising committee told Asia Samachar. “Proceeds will be presented to the His Majesty the King for any charity of his choice.”
YTSA and officials of its parent, Siri Guru Singh Sabha Bangkok (SGSSB), which runs the Bangkok gurdwara sahib, yesterday (Dec 17, 2014) held a press conference in the Bangkok gurdwara to publicise the run.
Present were SGSSB vice president Darshan Singh Narang, event committee head Paramjit Singh Anandwal, YTSA president Rajpal Singh Sethi, YTSA vice president Tejinder Singh Sachdev and YTSA treasurer Karan Singh Banga.
Also present were representatives from the traffic police, hospital, municipal council and running clubs.
As in the past, the organisers will dispatch a letter to the palace post-event, upon which the King then grants them an appointment where a member of the royal family will receive the donation.
Asked on the background of the run, the official said it was devised as an event to allow Thais of other faiths to connect with the Thai Sikhs.
“Back then, most of our events were basically amongst ourselves. This event was designed for the Sikhs to connect with people of other faiths, for them to get to know us,” he said.
On the numbers, he said the lower expected turnout is because Thailand has many runs during winter.
“Summer is too hot, the rainy season unpredictable. So most organisers chose winter for their marathons. On some days, you could have two or more runs,” he said.
PHOTO 1: RARING TO GO: The press conference for the Thai Sikh Run 2015. Seated (R-L) are Paramjit Singh Anandwal, Darshan Singh Narang, Rajpal Singh Sethi and Karan Singh Banga. Organising committee member Minder Singh Khanijou (holding mike) is in the front row, along with running club representatives.
FOR DETAILS, SEE EVENT FACEBOOK AT ‘THAI SIKH RUN‘.
It is a good gesture for the kindness of humanity and needy people. Keep it up.
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