Runners included a contingent of over 25 schools and over 1500 children from across Sharjah.

Imran Mojib, Special Correspondent

More than 2000 participants joined the second Ryan UAE Minithon ‘Run for Tolerance’ hosted by The Ryan International School, Sharjah. Following the International Day of Tolerance celebrated on Nov.16, this event supported the National agenda of the Year – Year of Tolerance in association with the Consulate General of India, Dubai.

Runners included a contingent of over 25 schools and over 1500 children from across Sharjah. Over 600 people from different corporate firms around Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah also took part in the event.

Guests of Honour at the event included representatives of government bodies Pankaj Bodkhe – Education Consul from the Consulate General of India in Dubai, Ridwan Hassan of Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Dubai, Mohammad Khalifa Al Swedi, Director of community relations.

CEO Air Arabia Adel Ali and President of Indian association Sharjah EP Johnson were also present.   Ryan Group of Schools CEO Ryan Pinto said, “We support the vision of the Founding Father of the Nation Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan to promote the values of respect and tolerance and to cherish the experience of living in a multicultural society. Ryan Group of Schools has been hosting Ryan Minithon events in India for over 19 years. We organise many of the events through October to commemorate Gandhiji’s birth anniversary as the Father of the Indian nation who is also as a symbol of tolerance.”

The minithon in Sharjah had a track of 0.7 kms for people of determination, 1.8 kms for children under 13 years, 1 km for children under 10 and a 3.9 kms for adults and students under 18. The run started at 7am at The Ryan International School, circumventing Nesto Hypermarket, going past creative school and ending at The Ryan International School.

The race conclude by 10am when participants were awarded. Over 60 winners in five different categories and from different schools were awarded with Championship Trophies, Medals, Certificates and gift hampers. All participants also received goodie bags and participation certificates.