Ashis Sinha I Ranchi: India’s first Global Active Partner City (GAC) Bokaro also has invited for World Active Cities Congress at Guatemala City which will be attended by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) President, Dr. Thomas Bach and Project Director of concerned authority of Evaleo Michael Gross.
Recently, Bokaro Steel City got the tag of ‘Global Active City’ (GAC) standard. Now Bokaro becomes the first city in India and second in Asia to get this place. Karasiyaka in Turkey in Asia is the first city, got a prestigious standard.
The Global Active City programme is fully aligned with the agenda, guidelines and recommendations of UN, WHO, UNESCO all of which aim at improving the health and well being of people as part of sustainable development.
The International Olympic Committee additionally supports the Global Active programme. Bokaro Steel City is the first city in India to join the network, informed Jaideep, Executive Board Member of the Indian Pierre de Coubertin Association (IPCA) and National Council of Sports Science and Physical Education (NCSPE). He is also a City Officer (Bokaro) of India’s first IOC supported Global Active Partner and an Asian Silver Medal (AVC), recipient in Volleyball..
Under the ‘nucleus mission’ protected and supported by the IOC, Bokaro Steel City is connected to the GAC network. This nucleus project (through the IOC) is an attempt to give a new direction to the society by connecting Bokaro city under the Olympics in action so that residents of Bokaro district can be prepared in different areas through a healthy and functional environment, informed Jaideep.
The label, given by The Active Well-being Initiative, recognizes the effort cities make to offer residents the opportunities to improve their physical well-being.
Bokaro in Jharkhand, through the mission of apex IOC’s “Olympism in Action” being in function at India’s first Global Active Partner City chaired by the Deputy Commissioner, has initiated the many innovative and unique campaigns as a model to mould a better sporting ecosystem in India includes— An exemplary model of Database creation of sportspersons & experts to shoulder the future sporting responsibilities in the City. The Administration has already taken initiative through the District Sports Officer (DSO) in this regard.
Traffic free zones in the city for joggers and walkers to catalyse the sports culture and broad base the sports pyramid maximising the quantum of sportspersons in every walks of life, said Jaideep.
“Besides these several measures are in the pipeline to foster spirit of sports through blood donation campaign, tree plantation and other like activities; To control the air pollution and economic sustainability, cycling habits by all to be encouraged in the city; Phase wise medical camps to boost the health parameters of the citizen at par with WHO guidelines for IOC’s Global Active City (GAC) programme,” he added.
Jaideep said, the GAC program was founded by Evaleo, a sustainable health association, and The Association For International Sport for All (TAFISA) with the support of the IOC.
The GAC label, which is supported by IOC, is awarded to cities having implemented a Physical Activity and Sport for All management system, improving governance and efficiency. It promotes cities that have succeeded in increasing participation in physical activity and sport, helping to tackle the growing levels of inactivity and non-communicable diseases, informed an official.
It is also important to stress the potential benefits of physical activity and sport beyond the fight against non-communicable diseases. Promoting mental health for all, social inclusion or more sustainable transportation solutions across the city and its surroundings is important, said the official.
“The high-profile recognition provided by the GAC label will enhance your city’s reputation locally, regionally, nationally and internationally,” he added.
Meanwhile, aiming to encourage sports and to make a distinct identity of the state in the sports world Jharkhand Government on Thursday appointed and posted Sports Officers in 24 districts of the state.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren handed over the appointment letters to the Sports Officers. Speaking on the occasion Soren said, “In sports fraternity in the country, Jharkhand is now going to carve a niche.”
This is the first time after the formation of the Jharkhand, District Sports Officials were appointed in the state.
