The Goa Marathon 2017 is synonymous with the cause it promotes: a run for Hope and Homes. This year’s run was the marathon’s sixth edition, and was yet again an astounding success. Races were held over 21km (half marathon) and also the 10k and 5k runs, which encouraged runners with varying levels of expertise to participate.
Funds raised from this athletic event are dedicated to underprivileged children under the aegis of El Shaddai Charitable Trust.
Mathew Kurian, Co-Founder of The Goa Marathon, explains the rationale behind organising this event, “The Goa Marathon is supported by the Goa Athletic Association. The primary reason was to encourage the people living in Goa to get health conscious and fit. The second reason was to generate funds to help children who are marginalized and living on the streets, enabling them to get a home and hope for the future.” Kurian also explains whom the proceeds are for, “The main focus of raising funds is the children…the children abandoned on the street, the children living on the streets, the children who are orphaned and the children from very marginalized families.” Many abandoned, homeless and orphaned children have received a new lease of life because of the El Shaddai Trust, and have received food, shelter and accommodation. Several of them are now working professionals, leading a life that is completely different to their destitute childhood.
The El Shaddai Charitable Trust, the organisation that is the focus of the Goa Marathon, has a strong presence in Goa and across India. In accordance with the Child Rights Act 2003/05, the organisation aims to make life better for orphans and street children. El Shaddai runs residential Homes, Day Care Centres and Community Centres across the country. It also has a slum outreach programme, which provides educational facilities and community health camps for underprivileged children and women.
Over the years, El Shaddai has already made a difference over five thousand children, and presently cares for over three thousand children in its homes, shelters and educational programmes. While El Shaddai’s work is mainly in Goa, they do run programmes in other Indian states such as Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The Goa Marathon is thus a great way to create public awareness about the plight of underprivileged children. Additionally, it also combines a fitness event with charity, which is a great way to do something for others.
However, no great endeavour comes without its challenges. Kurian shares, “One of the main challenges that the organising committee faces, is that of finding sponsors. If there is any one among the public who can help us, who can sponsor or at least get us a sponsor, we will be grateful. You can also visit our website- www.childrescue.net and sponsor a child.”
While the Goa Marathon is extremely popular with fitness enthusiasts, its inspiring cause is also positive contribution to the Goan society. It draws an impressive number of runners, which is unprecedented in ‘susegado’ Goa. It’s no wonder that the Goa Marathon is now considered Goa’s largest philanthropic sporting event, with thousands of enthusiastic participants. For those who missed this year’s marathon, do watch out for the event next year.
The Goa Marathon is a perfect example of how the union of passion and purpose can make the world a better place to live in.
