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On the 11th October 2009 the Sant Nirankari Mission West Midlands
Branch supported the World Half Marathon which was being hosted
by the City of Birmingham to promote the spirit of Volunteering,
Charity and Universal Brotherhood.
Young and older members of the Mission, Team Nirankari were
taking part in the Half Marathon in order to raise valuable
funds for Multiple Sclerosis (www.mssociety.org.uk). One of
the members Dr Sandeep Gill had agreed to shave his head in
support of the cause and raised in excess of £1,000 alone.
Andy Jarret of the National MS Society was also present with
other volunteers to support the Runners on the day.
Over 25 volunteers braved poor weather conditions and were up
at the early hours of the morning to under take a further duty
of serving as volunteers at water stations. Birmingham City
Council who were the principal organisers behind the event,
had offered the Mission a prestigious water station (quite similar
to the water stations that we find at the Annual Delhi Samagam)
which would be the base to serve over 12,000 runners, water
as they passed through at the 15km stage. The Team of Nirankari
Volunteers were given full addidas kits including Trainers,
Sweatshirts, T-Shirts, Tracksuit Bottoms, Jackets evens caps
and socks to wear, whilst offering their services. This really
illustrated how organisations value their volunteers and much
learning was gained from this episode.
The Team had to set up tables for the World Half Marathon Runners,
as well as the Birmingham Half Runners with water bottles in
readiness for the arrival of athletes as the race commenced
at 9am. To assist the process further, devotees attempted to
hand deliver the bottles as some runner did not wish to stop
running. As His Holiness teaches us to encourage one and all,
the members continued motivating the runners as they passed,
the stand with words of encouragement to complete the race,
which was appreciated. The Mission was also able to place a
stand/ banner bearing the message of His Holiness, Peace not
Pieces at the water Station which was seen by all passers by
and runners. Many people did enquire about our organisation
and pleased to note the work of the Mission. All of Team Nirankari
completed the challenging race and through their deeds gave
the message of His Holiness by supporting Charity and were interviewed
about their experience by the media and coverage was given on
a National Channel ITV.
The Mission strives to prove, that today young people are still
attracted by the message of undertaking community work and promoting
charitable values as well as volunteering. This was the first
real exercise to make people aware of the work of our volunteers
through supporting a Sports initiative. The organisers were
pleased with the efforts made by the members of the Mission
and it has been decided that further steps in this regard will
be taken in the not too distant future.
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