Asian Athletics Championship, Citizen Connect drive from June 25

Bhubaneswar:  Odisha Government will launch a massive ‘citizen connect drive’ to involve people for the upcoming Asian Athletics Championship at Kalinga Stadium to be held from July 5.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik would launch the programme at Pathautsav here in Bhubaneswar on June 25, official sources said.

“As it is a historic event, we want to take it to the people. A lot of effort has been put into and the Kalinga Stadium was made ready to host the event in 90 days. Chief Minister will release a video tomorrow,” said Sports & Youth Services Secretary Vishal Dev.

A preparatory meeting for these citizen connect programmes was held today at BMC Conference hall which was attended by senior officials of several departments.

Official sources said, the citizen connect campaign will be hosted from June 25 to July 2. A series of interactive sessions at multiple locations in the city will be carried out to promote the mega sporting event.

Selfie with Olly zones, Olly masks, athletic quiz, thematic drawing and painting competitions on athletics; storytelling sessions with books from 45 participating nations, walk with Olly will be major attractions at the special Patha Utsav.

BMC Commissioner Dr. Krishan Kumar said, "The event has helped Odisha to project something big on the world stage and we have to capitalise on this international experience to send the message through our guests of overwhelming hospitality and sense of aesthetics across the city.’’