The Hindu : Sport / Athletics : Prasad needs a sponsor

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Jul 07, 2005

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Sport - Athletics

Prasad needs a sponsor

BANGALORE: Young Prasad's joy knew no bounds when the intellectually challenged athlete was selected for INAS-FID World athletic championship scheduled to be held at Canberra later this month. But within days after selection at Kolar, Prasad's dream of making it to Canberra, seemed to sour as the athlete is being forced to run from pillar to post to raise funds for his trip.

His father Ramu, who runs a small garment business, expressed his inability to raise funds amounting to Rs.70,000 on his own and his bid to get government support also seemed to go in vain. A recommendation letter from State Home Minister, Mallikarjuna Kharge to concerned department, also failed to evoke favourable response and the authorities claim that there are not enough funds.

The time is indeed running out for Prasad with SIVUS India, the Indian chapter of INAS-FID, the organiser of the championship at Canberra, setting July 20 deadline.

" It is a tough situation and unless some generous sponsors come forward to help us, my son's ambition to represent the country in the international meet will not materialise and that is a pity for he had trained so hard for it and did so well at the selection trials at Kolar", said Mr. Ramu.— Special Correspondent

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