Srinagar, April 24:With an aim to create awareness among the youth of the Pampore about the importance of the Saffron spice, Shaheen Sports Syndicate (SSS) Sunday organized eight kilometer Pampore Marathon for both schools boys and girls.
The students ran from Khrew Adda Pampore via Tulbagh to Konibal Chinar and returned back to Khre Stop at Pampore.
The students drawn from different schools pledged to prevent the growers from selling adulterated saffron and bring awareness among the locals about the conservation of this world’s costliest spice for posterity.
The senior citizens who were present to encourage students during the run appreciated SSS for organizing the marathon with a motive to create spread awareness about the importance of saffron spice.
Around 350 students participated in the race which began at 7 am.
Adil Nabi Wani finished first in the marathon. Nazir Ahamd, Nadeef Fayaz and Abdul Hamid Wani bagged second and third position respectively.
In the girl’s category, Shahrooze, Binish Mustaq and Shafaqat Sadaf finished first second and third respectively.
Former Vice President JKB Nazir Ahamd who was the chief guest on the occasion distributed prizes and the certificates among the winners.
Speaking on the occasion SSS Chairman Showkat Ahmad Khanyari said that Saffron from Kashmir is world famous which has to be conserved.
“Pampore is famous for Saffron production. Youth can lead from the front in preserving this spice which has brought name and fame to whole Kashmir Valley. The aim of this marathon was to create awareness among the youth about the importance of this spice,” said Khanyari.
Notably, SSS has been organizing many sports activities for many years in the State to encourage youth for sports activities.
SSS organized many marathons in Srinagar and now the sports body shifted its focus to the towns also.
“But now our activities will not be confined to Srinagar only. There is lot of talent in towns also. We are aiming to organize these activities in other districts also” said Khanyari.
The senior citizens who were present during the prize distribution ceremony also wowed to fight against selling adulterated saffron.
SSS has also revived the roller skating game in the Valley by organizing coaching camps at roller skating rink at Children Park.
SSS also organized roller skating championship twice. Besides encouraging, sports persons with medals and trophies and providing them platform by organizing different sports activities, SSS also ventured into a social service. The sports body gave away blankets to the leper patients at Leper Hospital in Srinagar last year.