NEW DELHI-Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will flag off RUN FOR RIO on 31 July 2016 in New Delhi. This was announced by Minister of State (I/C) for Youth Affairs & Sports Shri Vijay Goel at a press conference here today. The Minister said that with a view to celebrate the Olympic mood, especially when India is sending its largest ever contingent of 119 athletes, the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MYAS) through the Sports Authority of India (SAI) is organizing a Mass Run called “Run for Rio” on 31st July, 2016 at 7:00 a.m. He said around 20,000 school children will participate in the Run, which will be flagged off by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. The Minister informed that the Run will commence from Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium (MDCNS), India Gate, and conclude at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (JNS), Lodhi Road. New Delhi. The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will also release a publication of SAI on “Indian Olympics Journey,” which will carry interesting information on country’s Olympics achievements and preparations for the future. Shri Goel said the objective of the Run was to not only demonstrate to our athletes that the whole country is proud of them and wishes them all the best in the forthcoming Rio Olympics competitions, but also to connect public at large, especially children and youth, with the Olympic spirit and power of sports. He added that the Run will be conducted in the most professional manner. Highlighting the features of the event, the Minister said that It is for the first time that a Mass Run of such magnitude is being held to celebrate the spirit of Olympics in the country. Similar Runs on a smaller scale will be held in the SAI Regional Centres at Sonepat, Kolkata, Bhopal, Gandhinagar and Thiruvananthapuram. Over 20,000 school children from Government and private schools have confirmed their participation. Each and every participant will be registered on-line. The buses will be arranged by respective schools. The buses will drop the children at Start Point (i.e. MDCNS) and Then Park at Finish Point (i.e. JNS).The entire route of the RUN will carry the mood of Olympics with appropriate branding. Arrangements will be there for water, mobile toilets and medical help at close intervals throughout the route. Each participant will be given an attractive T-Shirt carrying the logo of Rio Olympics-2016; it will also carry the slogan “RUN FOR RIO – KHELO AUR JIYO.” Apart from the T-Shirt, every participant will get an attractive medal for finishing the Run. Each participant will also be entitled to receive an e-certificate on completion of the Run. The e-certificate can be downloaded on-line by giving the registration details. On completion of the Run, breakfast will be served to all participants and there will also be a lot of fun activities and entertainment. The cost of the Run will be partly met through sponsorship. Sponsorship commitments have been received from M/s. Coal India Limited (CIL) and New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC). The entire Run from commencement to conclusion will be telecast live by Doordarshan; Doordarshan will also be requested to provide live feed to other channels. More than 200 schools are expected to participate in the Run. It will include KVS schools, NDMC schools, NSS children, NYKS children, Delhi Govt. schools, private unaided schools and SAI athletes. Delhi Police will look after the entire security throughout the route and at the Start Point & Finish Point. Giant screens will be located at strategic points for enabling each and every participant to witness the address of Prime Minister before he flags off the Run.