Tiruchirappalli (Tamil Nadu) [India], June 26 : To mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking and reinforce the State government's campaign for a drug-free Tamil Nadu, the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) organised a 5-km anti-drug awareness marathon in Tiruchirappalli.
The marathon, themed "Start Run - Stop Drugs," was flagged off by Tiruchirappalli District Collector Pradeep Dayal. The event was open to participants aged 14 years and above, aimed to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and encourage young people to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle.
The marathon commenced from the Anna Sports Stadium, passed through TVS Tollgate and Mannarpuram, and concluded at the stadium. More than 500 participants, including school and college students, youth, government officials, sports enthusiasts and senior citizens, enthusiastically took part in the awareness run. Participation certificates were presented to all the runners.
The District Collector also inaugurated an anti-drug signature campaign by signing the pledge board, calling upon the public to support the vision of a drug-free society. This was followed by an anti-drug pledge, with all participants taking an oath in the Collector's presence to stay away from narcotic substances and work towards building a drug-free Tamil Nadu.
The event was organised as part of the State's continuing efforts to create awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse and promote fitness, sports and social responsibility among the public, particularly the youth.
Earlier in the day, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay flagged off the 'Start Run, Stop Drugs' in Thoothukudi. As part of the state-wide campaign promoting the message, "Let us unite to make Tamil Nadu a Drug-Free State," similar awareness programmes were organised across various districts.
In Thoothukudi, the "Start, Run, Stop Drugs" awareness marathon was flagged off at 7:00 a.m. by Tamil Nadu Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, P. Madhanraj, along with District Collector Vishu Mahajan, IAS.