Former Miss India and fitness enthusiast Gul Panag who was announced as the event ambassador officially launched registrations for Pinkathon 2014 to be held in Bangalore on February 16, 2014. Eminent dignitaries like Maya Chakravarti, Director, Symbiosis Institute of Mass Communications, Reeth Abraham, International Athlete and Arjuna awardee were also present to grace the occasion.
Almost 12000 women have run in Pinkathon in 4 cities. Pinkathon has donated more than Rs 20 Lacs so far towards treatment of underprivileged women with cancer.
Maximus Events has also joined hands with the Women’s Cancer Initiative (WCI) led by Deveika Bhojwani and the Tata Memorial Hospital to support this social cause. Taking cue from last year’s event, well-known Radio Mirchi RJ Lavanya will be the mascot this year for the run in Bangalore. Pinkathon 2014 has garnered tremendous support from some of the leading brands in the country. Prominent among these is Reebok.
Announcing the launch in Bangalore, Milind Soman said, “We are delighted to bring Pinkathon to the city of Bangalore. I believe we as citizens should do whatever it takes to raise awareness about breast cancer and keep it at bay. It is estimated that 1 in 22 Indian women have the lifetime probability of developing breast cancer. In India, the number of new breast cancer cases is about 115,000 per year and this is expected to rise to 250,000 new cases per year by 2015. I am confident that the people of Bangalore will come out in large numbers to help create awareness and at the same time raise adequate funds to fight the deadly disease.”
Ms. Reema Sanghavi, Managing Director, Maximus MICE & Media Solutions Pvt. Ltd. said, “Running addresses most of the top 10 ways to help prevent breast cancer, not only promoting well-being but also raising immunity levels and improving health to help fight diseases like cancer. Maximus is proud of Pinkathon as our leading Intellectual Property working towards a noble cause.”
Taking on the role as Brand Ambassador, Gul Panag said, “I firmly believe that Indian women need to realize the importance of health, moreover understand the cancer bug and spread word on a personal basis. One needs to adopt fitness as a way of life and a platform like Pinkathon definitely goes a long way in educating people about a muchneglected condition like breast cancer. I take this opportunity to urge the women of Bangalore to come forward and support this cause.”
Deveika Bhojwani, Vice President Women’s Cancer Initiative-Tata Memorial Hospital said, “Having worked towards the cause of breast cancer awareness for several years, I know how important it is to understand the ailment and its risks. In addition, it is crucial to get yourself checked, spread the word on a personal basis, and adopt fitness as a way of life. The importance of Milind and Reema’s venture cannot be underestimated.”
Ms Reeth Abraham, International Athlete and Arjuna awardee said, “Pinkathon has not only promoted awareness of breast cancer but has also got the women to take fitness seriously, which is the key to good health.” To build consciousness and impart more knowledge on women's wellness and the survival of breast cancer, attempts are also being made though social media and peripheral promotional ground events .Around 5000 plus women are expected to be a part of the event. All proceeds from the sponsorship and donations received will be used only for the expenses incurred in organizing and marketing the event, and by the WCI in its fight against breast cancer.
The official website for Pinkathon is (www.pinkathon.in) through which participants can register online. Participants can also log onto to https://www.facebook.com/Pinkathon Twitter Handle @Pinkathon2014
