PANAJI: Pradeep Kumbhar, a blade-runner and Mariola Mathias, a cancer survivor will be the brand ambassadors for the 8th BNI Rotary Rain Run (RRR) to be held at Bambolim on July 31 this year. The run is being organised in support of early cancer detection, women’s health and education.
Pradeep (52) a senior manager with an insurance company in Mumbai was training for a triathlon event in August 2018 when a truck ran into his cycle on one of Mumbai’s highways. Pradeep, tragically lost his right leg in the accident and injured his left leg. Hospitalised for eight long months, Pradeep has bravely fought back as an athlete.
Getting himself a prosthetic leg in 2019, Pradeep first walked and was soon running, cycling and swimming as well. Having procured a blade for his right leg, Pradeep began competing in 10km road races from 2021. Recently, Pradeep won several medals in the national masters swimming championships too. Pradeep alternates between running, cycling and swimming on a daily basis. Says Pradeep, “I strongly believe, ‘Success belongs to those who are goal oriented, determined and persevering. If you can dream it, you can do it.”
Mariola Mathias (61) a Panaji-based recreational runner was hit by cancer in 2019. However, soon after completing her treatment in early 2020, Mariola started off a daily regimen of brisk walking and yoga. She quickly added swimming, cycling and running to this schedule.
Says Mariola, “I love getting out every morning to do some sport. Hence, when I was hit by the health setback, I was just itching to get back. Training for any sport builds up, not just your physical strength, but also your mental well-being enabling you to face any challenge.”
Both Mariola and Pradeep are looking forward to the Rotary Rain Run on July 31 and are confident many runners will join them. The online registration link is http://rainrun.rcporvorim.org
