Australian runs for Sikkim’s environmental protection by Sikkim First Bureau An Australian from Melbourne, Kim Shore, recently ran a half marathon in the State to raise money and awareness of environmental protection internationally, informs a press release issued by Jigme N Kazi. On 11 October 2013 Kim ran a course of 21.1kms between Rumtek and Sang, East Sikkim. The purpose of his run is to raise money for the Environment Defenders Office, a community environmental law centre (advice and litigation) in Melbourne. Shore chose Sikkim to inspire people in Australia by the ecological diversity and environmental heritage in Sikkim. He hopes to eventually create an international event in Rumtek, raising money and awareness for local environmental protection in Sikkim and Australia, the release states further. Kim has historical links in Sikkim through his father, Lama Chime, who has been a friend of Sikkim for over 40 years. Lama Chime has a long-standing relationship between Dharma teachings in India and Australia. Kim was visiting Sikkim with his father at a time when he ordinarily would be running in an event called “Run for the Environment” in Melbourne. The solution: make “Run for the Environment” go global to Sikkim. The release adds that the event has been successful, fundraising (so far) over $500 Australian dollars. This event, says Kim, could become an annual event to enable international fundraising efforts for environmental protection and awareness in Sikkim. Environmental degradation and the rapid onset of climate change require global efforts at the local and international level. With collective will and opportunity, this small event could initiate an annual marathon event in which Indians and Australians would run together with the object of putting the integrity and health of the environment at the forefront of our conscience, says Kim.
Posted on: Sat, 26 Oct 2013 15:02:42 +0000