More than 65 people – from toddlers through to senior citizens – joined the BAPS Annual 10K Challenge in Coventry on Sunday 24 April 2016.
The charity Challenge organised by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) brought together more than 3,000 enthusiastic participants from towns and cities across the UK for a fun and healthy way to raise money for various worthy causes and local charities.
The funds from this year’s event will go towards BAPS’s multifarious educational, community and spiritual activities serving children, youths, families and the elderly, especially during the 10th anniversary of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Coventry.
Previous national partners, under the auspices of BAPS and BAPS Charities, have included the British Heart Foundation, Diabetes UK, Breast Cancer Care, Age UK, Barnardo’s, KIDS, The Anthony Nolan Trust, and Macmillan Cancer Support.
The event kicked off shortly after 10am from Memorial Park.
After the opening ceremony, walkers, joggers and runners started on the scenic route from the tennis courts and made their way around the park
Priyesh Pankhania, 25, shared: “It was an excellent day with brilliant weather this year, which was a welcome change. More importantly, we raised funds for a very worthy cause while spending time with family and friends, which made the day out very special.”
One of the lead volunteers for the event, Nitin Ladva, added, “We’re so grateful for everyone’s support in making this event a success, from the very young to the more senior members. Not only were we able to raise funds but also communicate and raise awareness about the inspiring community work of the Mandir.”