Chandigarh

18 November 2024

DIVYA AZAD

The St. John’s Old Boys Association (SJOBA) organised the ‘SJOBA Cyclothon 2024’ . Cyclists undertook a 12.5 km cycle-rally aimed at promoting sustainable and eco-friendly transportation in view of Chandigarh’s deteriorating air quality index (AQI) and to encourage people to use  cycles as alternatives to fossil fuel based transport.

A total of 250 cyclists participated in the event, which was flagged off from St. John’s High School, Sector 26, Chandigarh, and concluded back at the school.

Notably, three specially-abled participants took part in the rally with great enthusiasm in the newly introduced ‘Specially-Abled Category’. This category was introduced by the organisers for the first time at the SJOBA Cyclothon to promote inclusivity, reflecting the true spirit of the event.

Speaking on the occasion, Harpal Singh Malvai, President of SJOBA, said, “This event was organised, with the aim of promoting cycling as a sustainable, pollution-free mode of transport in the city. With pollution levels at alarming heights and Chandigarh’s AQI among the worst in the country, we hope to bring about significant change by encouraging people to adopt green alternatives like cycling. By doing so, we can reduce carbon footprints and contribute to a healthier environment for everyone.”

He added, “At the same time, we also wanted to highlight the importance of using the beautiful cycle tracks existing in Chandigarh, this is the reason why we asked the participants to travel through these so that they are popularised. The cyclothon showcased landmarks like Sukhna Lake, Rock Garden, Rose Garden, Sector 17 Plaza, and other iconic places of Chandigarh.  

Danish Mangat, Secretary of SJOBA, shared, “Participants were rewarded with a variety of exciting prizes, including T-shirts, caps, wristbands, medals for finishers, and e-certificates at the event.”

Mangat added, “Three specially-abled participants were awarded a cash prize of Rs. 2,100 along with goodie bags as a token of appreciation for their participation in the cycle-rally.”

It is notable that premium Kross cycles were awarded in lucky draws. In the draw for youngest participants  Reyansh Choudhary (6) got a brand new cycle ; Sunil K. Arora (66), got it in the draw for the oldest participants; and Jasreet Singh Matharu, from St John’s High School got a cycle in the draw held for ‘school with highest student participants’ – the maximum school students who took part were from St John’s. Lucky draws for both women and men, with Kross bikes as prizes, to encourage even more community engagement were also held.

It is important to note that the SJOBA Cyclothon  has become a key platform for raising awareness about environmental issues and supporting eco-tourism initiatives within the region.  The event was supported by Amari Hills, RBL Bank, Kross Bikes, Silver Fern Education Consultants, Kandahari Beverages and Chandigarh Bytes, with Red FM as the official media partner.

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