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MUMBAI, 1 DECEMBER, 2019 (GPN): Mumbai Juniorthon, India’s largest under 15 kid’s run saw as many as 4000 families participating in the run for a healthier future organized on December 1 2019 (Sunday) at MMRDA Grounds, BKC, Bandra. Popular child celebrity Shivansh Kotia along with BJP spokesperson Shaina NC were also seen encouraging the kids in the wee hours of Sunday morning, where children from the age of 5 to 15 years participated in category specific runs. This year Juniorthon supported the ‘right to education’ for underprivileged children through its partnership with NGO Ekal Yuva. Proceeds from the race would be donated to the organization.

Physical inactivity is a major contributor to the increasing levels of obesity and other serious medical conditions among children and adolescent’s world-over. Sedentary lifestyle, limited open spaces, lack of time, growing use of indoor games and gadgets and lack of awareness amongst parents regarding the Physical Activity (PA) of their children are some of the reasons for growing childhood obesity. Speaking on the inactive lifestyle amongst children Ms Bhavna Mehta, Organizer and Founder of Juniorthon said “Juniorthon was designed specifically to ensure that children are encouraged to take up outdoor activities in a manner that combines physical and mental development while ensuring they enjoy the experience. Childhood obesity needs to be fought in their developmental years and platform such as ours help bring in behavior change not only in the children but also in the family as a whole. She added, we strongly believe that every child has the potential for greatness and at Juniorthon we gave them a perfect opportunity to show them just what they were capable of where ‘Superheroes where born at the Finish line’. The strength within is a celebration of every child’s unique potential and at this fabulous 5th season of Juniorthon, we gave them a platform to express their super power and flaunt it for the race by wearing SUPER RUNNER Tattoos or Painting their face depicting their super power.

Juniorthon along with ADAPT, school for children with special needs, also organized a ‘Happy Run’ for especially abled children in a bid to provide them with equal opportunities. The special 0.5 kms run saw participation in both wheel chair based and non-wheel chair based categories

Speaking on the marathon BJP spokesperson Shaina NC mentioned “it is great to see how an initiative to encourage children to take up outdoor activities has turned into a community event, raising awareness about childhood obesity and teamwork bring families together to spend time with their children. I am amazed to see how these children motivate and help each other during the race. I congratulate the organizer of the event for developing such a platform that brings out a winner in every child. Their effort to ensure a zero waste event is commendable and I wish them all the best.”

Juniorthon ensured that the kids not only run the marathon but also encouraged families to engage with their children at the Fun-Fitness Carnival which hosted over 50+ attractions to choose from a mix of games, food, rides, fitness activities, workshops and specially curated shows and more.

Kid celeb Shivansh Kotia not only encouraged children at the marathon but also participated in activities such as zumba, rock climbing laddering, slack line and hoola-hoop workshops etc.

This year to support sustainable development and preserve the environment Juniorthon tied up with NGO iVolunteer for a free workshop on Seed Bombing, where children made small bombs of vegetable and herb seeds that are fun to throw where they want to grow. Juniorthon also associated with Akhil Bhartiya Terapanth Yuvak Parishad, an NGO that works towards sustainable disposal & waste management to ensure zero waste for Mumbai Juniorthon 2019.

Although running is a competitive activity with timing and time chips being involved, Juniorthon decided to give recognition to every child who crossed the finish line by garlanding them with a Finishers Medal and a Completion Certificate.

Race category included

• OPENERS:                                       Distance: 0.5 km – 1 Parent +      1 child aged
• BEGINNERS:                                   Distance: 1 km – Age: 6 to 11 years
• AMATEURS:                                   Distance: 2 km – Age: 8 to 13 years
• PROS:                                             Distance: 4 km – Age: 10 to 15 years
• DIFFERENTLY ABLED:                     Distance: 0.5 km – Age: 6 to 15 years. ENDS