MARGAO: Pat Farmer, formally known as Patrick Francis Daniel, ace marathon runner from Australia stepped into Goa on Monday morning en route from Kanyakumari for his journey to Kashmir as part of the “Spirit of India Run”, initiated by him since January 26.
Minister for Sports Ramesh Tawadkar welcomed the ace runner at the Pollem check post, with a traditional Goan reception. Floral greetings, brass band and cheering contingents added festivity when he stepped into Goa along with his team. Officials from the Department of India Tourism, Goa Tourism Development Corporation, Sports Authority of Goa, State athletes, school children and well-wishers were gathered in large numbers.
The renowned long distance runner later interacted with school children and the youth at Malikarjun High School, Canacona and thereafter continued his run till Cuncolim where he completed 80 kms of running for the day.
During a felicitation function at the Black Box, Ravindra Bhavan, here, Minister for Fisheries Avertano Furtado presented Farmer a shawl and memento in the presence of Director of Tourism Sanjeev Gauns Dessai and Regional Director of India Tourism Vikas Rustagi.
Farmer in his address informed, “India is incredible and Goa is a beautiful State. India is a shining example to the world and my run in India is to show the world how people care for each other in this country.”
“I have travelled the world running and every step is for a cause. Nothing worthwhile is easy and I am experiencing India and enjoying every moment of it.”
Furtado said, “Pat Farmer is an inspiration for the children of Goa.”
He later interacted with the school children and sports personalities. Farmer will leave for Maharashtra early Tuesday morning from Cuncolim. Farmer is a multiple world record holder for endurance running and has run from the North Pole to the South Pole and across Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam, the Middle East and North America. He has served as a Member of Australia’s Parliament, with three years as parliamentary secretary for education.
Farmer’s “Spirit of India Run” is aimed at cementing relations between India and Australia, encourage tourism and personal relationships with a view to create awareness of India as a “Must Experience” destination for travellers from Australia; and support causes and charity which in the current endeavour is to raise funds for education of the girl child.
