Marathons across the world
create a sense of belongingness, sense of ownership and responsibility.
Delhi Half Marathon is a unique endeavour to unite and bring forth the
inert intents of Delhites to create a world class city.
Jindal Stainless has been a proud associate sponsors to this sporting
extravaganza which witness's participation across age and other
barriers. Our association goes beyond our commitment for sports and
fitness to one which dreams of building a dream Delhi.
With Delhi being chosen as the venue for Common Wealth 2010, redefining
the city, its airports, street furniture, signages, etc have become a
priority. The new line of thinking is bringing about innovations and on
the card is stainless steel street furniture; providing practical and
aesthetical solutions, matching international class. Stainless Steel has
been used extensively in roofing for various international stadiums,
construction of airport terminal etc.
With Delhi coming into focus in the international sporting arena, we
will definitely do our bit to make Delhi stainless, bright and shining.
A passionate material like stainless steel goes perfectly hand in hand
with a passionate sport like the half marathon. Together we pledge to
build a stainless future for Delhi.
The preparations for the marathon started in the month of August '06
with the announcement of opening of registrations. With brand
ambassadors in cricket icon, Kapil Dev, tennis star Vijay Amritraj and
international marathon champion Gabrielsalasi the event got an
unprecedented response. Over 25000 people registered and ran on 15th
October 2006.
As part of promoting registration Jindal Stainless activated various
promotional campaigns. A float activity using a branded canter with
promoters ran across the city of Delhi for 10 days creating excitement
and registering participants. With games dance and music the canter
created lot of flutter in the streets.
We had taken up the sport of marathon and had pledged to support it. In
line with our support to the sport we decided to build in a team of
runners including hobby runners. Ms. Sunita Godara, Asian Marathon
Champion who had participated in over 75 marathons across the world
helped us in this initiative. Over 6 Marathon Clinics were organized in
various locations including Lodhi garden, Nehru Park, India Gate etc, to
enthuse the marathon runners Build up runs were organized followed by
Marathon Clinics. Ms. Godara gave tips to beginners, on scientific
methods to improve performance, relaxation techniques, how to prevent
injuries and provide diet schedules. Experts from the field of yoga,
naturopathy and sportspersons like World Luge Champion Shiva Keshwan
also participated in the clinics.
Apart from lot of print advertising we also ran a campaign on Zee
sports and Radio Mirchi also helped to reach out to the people of Delhi.
A huge harry balloon was also put up on office roof-top to create
visibility.
Over 2000 employees and students from our schools registered for the
event with an enthusiastic response from our schools at Hisar.
On the sidelines of the marathon, JSL supported another sporting
initiative by India's star shooter Gagan Narang, an Arjuna awardee and
gold medallist in the 2006 Commonwealth Games and Sunil Yash Kalra a
sports consultant by sponsoring a book "The Commonwealth Journey
from Melbourne to New Delhi". Sunil has aptly supported the book
with some breathtaking pictures shot by Gagan during Melbourne CW games
in text. A celebration of Indian triumph, this book traces the origins
of the Commonwealth Games and pays tribute to this international
sporting event that was held at Melbourne in 2006. From beginning to
end, a brief overview of each sport and general notes on the performance
of India's team participants are interspersed along with anecdotes
throughout the book. Brilliantly stunning photographs capture the
diversity of the participating nations, the vivid highs and the
harmonious team spirit which underline the Commonwealth Games.
The book release function was held on 12th October '06, with the Chief
Minister of Delhi, Smt Sheila Dixit formally releasing the book in front
of an august gathering of celebrities like Kapil Dev, Vijay Amritraj,
Rajyavardhan Rathore, KPS Gill, Samaresh & Anuja Jung, Nikhil
Chopra.
For more information, log on to : www.hdhm@indiatimes.com










