SLANA all set for Health Run
Applications have been coming in from all parts of the country promising a great turnout for the Sri Lanka Anti-Narcotics Association’s (SLANA) annual health run. The Health Run will hit the streets of Colombo next Sunday, August 3.
Pooja Umashankar
This year is to be a little different according to SLANA Director Dharshinie Guniyangoda. After 15 health runs starting at the Galle Face Green, this time the participants are to experience a change of scene. The National Health Run 2014 is to take place in the Colombo Racecourse premises.
And there is some high profile participation too. The event has two ambassadors who are bound to get the public’s attention – actress Pooja Umashankar and Miss Sri Lanka 2011, Stephanie Siriwardhana.
The event has in the past attracted over 2000 participants from all over the country and over 5000 spectators. Solidarity under the theme of “Proud to be Drug Free” is what SLANA is hoping for this year at the 16th National Health Run. The run is mapped out over a span of 14km for participants over 18. Prizes will be awarded to men and women separately in two categories- the Open class (over 18) and Over 50. The Rainbow Route will be an alternate 3km run for participants under 18. Events for the differently-abled and for injured war veterans too are scheduled to be a part of the festivities.
Encouraged by the response to applications in newspapers which have been pouring in since last month, Dharshinie feels “even if it’s for a little while, the streets of Colombo will attract some attention to the cause.” While a runner is to be awarded for participation, “participation itself gives you a chance to voice your concern over the present drug problem,” she says.
The Youth Wing of SLANA too is heavily involved with the event. This couldn’t have come at a better time according to Dharshinie who feels that perhaps a little too much attention is devoted to specific drugs, and not the broader ambit of the problem.
Working on the premise of primary prevention of drug abuse it has long been SLANA’s goal to promote healthy alternatives. Sports being one such alternative the Health Run has been a continuing success due to the support not only of private sector donors and sponsors, but also of the Sri Lanka Police, Colombo Municipal Council and even the Amateur Athletics Association.
It’s not too late to join in. If you likes to support SLANA’s efforts, join the Health Run 2014. Registration is free of charge and could be done online at the SLANA website- www.slana.lk until July 30.