Marathon races mark International Youth Day across Nagaland

DIMAPUR — Marathon races to create awareness on HIV/AIDS prevention marked the International Youth Day (IYD) held across Nagaland on Saturday. The marathon races involving youth and students were organised in different districts on the banner “Red Run.”

International Youth Day is celebrated every year on August 12 to appreciate the value of youth. The day was first celebrated on August 12, 2000, by the United Nations seeking to bring youth issues to the attention of the international community and celebrate the potential of youth as partners in today’s global society.  

As part of the International Youth Day, Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) organised a marathon race in 12 districts of Nagaland. A total of 519 enthusiastic Red Ribbon Club members took part in the event including 299 male and 220 female from 58 colleges, schools and institutes across the state.

Kohima: Kohima District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit (DAPCU/DISHA) under the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) commemorated ‘International Youth Day by organising a marathon race for Red Ribbon Club (RRC) members from Old NST to PHQ junction. The race was organised to raise awareness about HIV prevention.

A total of 54 participants from 16 different colleges in Kohima took part in the race, which was flagged off by ADC of Kohima, Rhosietho Nguori.

In the men’s category, Khonzan Odyuo from Oriental College secured first, while Lhuvezo Medeo from

Kohima College and Jeet Bahadur from Sazolie College won the second and third places respectively. In female category, Jasmine Thong from Oriental College secured the first place while Veralü Swuro from Japfü College and Ngepkhao S from Kohima College secured the second and third places respectively.

Mokokchung: Commemorating ‘International Youth Day,’ the Mokokchung District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit (DAPCU) under Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) organised a marathon race tagged ‘Red Run’ on Saturday.

Speaking at the flag off programme, the chief medical officer (CMO) of Mokokchung, Dr. Kibangkumba, called upon the participants to recommit to end HIV by 2030, spread the message of equality, avoid stigmatisation associated with HIV-AIDS and to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Altogether, 23 participants including 8 female and 15 male from Jubilee Memorial College, People’s College, Fazl Ali College and ICIT Mokokchung participated in the race.

Sangtsoi P from Fazl Ali College won the race in men’s category with Ringsinei Richard from ICIT and Koi Shiu K from Fazl Ali College in the 2nd and 3rd positions respectively. In women’s category, Sungtiyala C Imchen from Jubilee Memorial College won the first place, while Jongliu E from Fazl Ali College and Muthsoi from Fazl Ali College won the 2nd and 3rd positions respectively.

Mon: Mon District AIDS Prevention Control Unit (DAPCU), in collaboration with Red Ribbon Club (RRC) of Wangkhao Government College, celebrated International Youth Day by launching a district-level youth fest beginning with a marathon race for RRC members covering 5 km from Diet centre to local ground in Mon town.

Speaking at the flag-off programme, the CMO of Mon, Dr. Vezokholu Theyo, enlightened the participants on the significance of the day which was aimed at creating awareness about the problems faced by the youths and to make things better, easier and successful for them. She stated that knowing their HIV status would help in taking steps to keep them healthy.

She concluded by saying that the youth voices, peer-to-peer education are potent weapons to fight against HIV/AIDS.

President of Mon Town Students’ Union (MTSU), Honpho, and DPO of DAPCU, Longyim Tzudir also spoke on the occasion.

Altogether, 19 RRC members including 10male and 9 female participated in the race. The CMO gave away prize money and certificates to the winners.

Meanwhile, it informed that the youth fest would continue till September by organizing various activities.

Wokha: Wokha District AIDS Prevention Control Unit (DAPCU), supported by NSACS and Indian Red Cross Wokha branch, commemorated ‘International Youth Day’ by organising a marathon race to raise awareness about HIV prevention.

The marathon race was flagged off by the CMO of Wokha, Dr. Zubenthung Kikon, at Zero point and concluded at PWD junction in Wokha town.

Speaking to the participants before the flag off, Dr. Kikon said participating in such marathon race is not only about winning prizes but creating awareness on HIV among the general public. Informing that Wokha district has a high prevalence rate of HIV cases, he stated that more such activities are required to disseminate message.

In the male category, Themsen Shokchui emerged as the winner while Nepuni Mao and Elise Patton secured the 2nd and 3rd positions respectively. In the female category, Nzanrhoni N Ngullie was declared as the winner while Epipeni T Kikon and Yidale Riame secured 2nd and 3rd positions respectively.

The participants were members of Red Ribbon Club from Witter Theological College.

NAGC: Nagaland Adolescent Girls Club (NAGC) under the aegis of the Nagaland State Social Welfare Board (NSSWB) observed the International Youth Day on Saturday.

Juliana Medom, NSSWB supervisor and NAGC nodal officer, spoke on the significance of the day, while Ngimchule, assistant commissioner of police, Dimapur, encouraged the girls to think big and never to give up on their dreams.

Emphasising on the importance of being a youth and their value to the society, she told them not to be swayed by negativity but to have confidence in themselves and to study hard to achieve their goal.

Altogether, 480 girls were present during the programme. A special performance was made by the IR Mahila pipe band.

Also read: Naga youth asked to lead positive lifestyle