Date:20/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/20/stories/2008032058750400.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Students take out anti-obesity cycle rally

Staff Reporter

PHOTO: R.RAVINDRAN.

FITNESS FIRST: Mayor M. Subramanian at the anti-obesity cycle rally organised at the YMCA College of Physical Education in Chennai on Wednesday. —

CHENNAI: About 150 students set out on cycles to spread the message of fitness here on Wednesday.

The participants, all students of YMCA College of Physical Education, cycled from their campus in Nandanam to the Marina beach. They held placards with messages on fitness and distributed pamphlets on the ways to prevent obesity.

Flagging off the anti-obesity cycle rally, Mayor M. Subramanian said fitness should be the primary concern for all. Keeping this in mind, the Corporation had introduced yoga lessons for not just the students of the Corporation schools but also the teaching and non-teaching staff.

The Mayor said he never missed his morning walk, as he experienced the benefits of exercise. He once recovered from a serious injury after an accident very quickly owing to his regular fitness regime. Principal of the College Sheela Stephen said the initiative was aimed at spreading awareness about obesity. Correspondent of the college Baldwin Raj was also present.