Giant Starkenn Join Hands With Naval Foundation To Support Divyang Sandesh Yatra
Pune: It is known that anything is possible if you truly believe in it. Pune based Popatrao Khopade is a prime example of this mantra. Mr. Khopade is a wrestler turned rider who at the age of 35 suffered a severe spine injury which eventually amounted to a bamboo spine disease, making a part of his body immovable is on a 2000 KM expedition from Raireshwar Fort to Sansad Bhavan-New Delhi to create awareness about cleanliness and protection of environment. He has started his 2000 KM journey from Raireshwar Fort on 3rd December and has reached Pune on 4th December.
Giant Starkenn is playing a pivotal role in this journey of Mr. Khopade. Starkenn has provided 2 bicycles (Roam X R 2) worth 2 lac and all the equipments needed. Apart from providing bicycles and accessory Starkenn is also providing aftersales and servicing related assistance to Mr. Khopade through its widespread dealership network. Starkenn’s dealers from cities such as Amravati, Nagpur, Gwalior, Agra and Delhi will be meeting Mr. Khopade when he will reach respective cities and provide required assistance to him. With this expedition Giant Starkenn along with Naval Foundation aims to promote this sport for more people to step in, and help the disabled to experience long distance cycling.
Mr. Khopade who has reached Pune was felicitated by Starkenn Sports Pvt. Ltd and a press conference to share details about his journey was addressed by Mr. Popatrao Khopade and Mr. Pravin Patil-MD & CEO-Starkenn Sports Pvt. Ltd. at Giant Starkenn Cycling World, Sangam Bridge, Pune RTO.
Speaking on the occasion Pravin Patil, Managing Director & CEO, Starkenn Sports Pvt. Ltd said, “I am thrilled to see Popatrao’s passion against the odds that he has faced while deciding on this expedition. This expedition also has another noble cause attached to it i.e. of promoting cleanliness and protecting of environment. I feel cycling is the best and eco-friendly way of commuting and protecting the environment from increasing pollution. I wish Mr. Khopade all the very best for this unique expedition and assure you that Starkenn Sports will continue supporting you in your future endeavors. We at Starkenn Sports Pvt. Ltd. have always extended our support to athletes with disability and want to see them making it big in near future on national and international platforms.”
Mr. Popatrao Khopade wrestler turned rider with Bamboo Spine Disability and President of Naval Foundation stated that, “The foundation believes in Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy- ‘Be the change that you want to see in the world’. He further said, “Sports has the power to unite people from different walks of life under one roof. My agenda behind this journey is to break the stereotype that disabled people are incapable of participating in sports. Another important reason to undertake this journey is to create awareness about cleanliness and environment protection in India and campaign for Hon’ble PM’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. In this journey I am not only traveling to places but also will be cleaning some of the forts. I would like to thank Mr. Pravin Patil of Starkenn Sports for supporting me in this expedition. With the help of Starkenn I aim to create awareness about cleanliness amongst youth of this country and look forward to the continuous support from Starkenn sports in future endeavors of mine.”
During this Divyang Sandesh Yatra Mr. Khopade will be covering 4 states i.e. Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana before reaching Delhi. In his expedition he will also be visiting schools and colleges from various cities and interact with youth to create awareness about cleanliness and environment protection. Mr. Khopade has started his 45 day expedition on 3rd of December and as per his travel schedule he will be reaching Delhi on 21st January, 2018.