Bangladesh held the Olympic Day Run
2008-12-26
The Olympic Day Run - 2008 organized by Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA) held across the country including capital Dhaka with a huge fanfare and enthusiasm on Friday, 14 November 2008.
Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal S.M. Ziaur Rahman inaugurated the Run as the chief guest at the National Tennis Complex (NTC) at 7:30 am in the morning.
BOA Vice-President and Chairman of the Day-Run-2008 Organizing Committee Mizanur Rahman Manu, BOA secretary general Kutubuddin Ahmed, Director & CEO Col (retd) M Wali Ullah, Chairman of Gazi Group Limited Gazi Golam Dastagir, Director of Exim Bank Limited Nurul Fazal Bulbul, Country Director of Coca Cola Far East Limited Debasish Deb were also present on the occasion.
"The Run which commemorates the founding anniversary of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), is a symbol of uplifting brotherhood and solidarity," Air Marshal Ziaur Rahman said in his speech. He also stressed that, because of unfriendly weather in the month of June in the country, Bangladesh have shifted the universal Day-Run schedule from 23rd June to middle of the November.
The token marathon, starting from NTC, touched Matshya Bhaban, Foreign Ministry, Press Club and Baitul Mokarrom before ending at the Bangabandhu National Stadium (BNS). The BDR orchestra staged a performance when the Run concluded at BNS.
The Run also featured a blood donation programme, managed by the Quantum Foundation, at the National Sport Council (NSC)'s new building premises and children's drawing competition at the old building's gymnasium.
NSC Secretary Akbar Hossain and BOA Director & CEO Col (Retd) M Wali Ullah donated blood among others.
Meanwhile, two brave young man and woman - Sumon and Shirin Akter - who survived cancer, joined the Run after completing a countrywide cancer-awareness campaign.
Later, they lit the "Flame of Hope" at the Bangabandhu National Stadium to create awareness against the deadly disease.
