Sunday 10
July 2005 saw the Annual Sponsored Walk being held in the UK
at BAPS Mandirs around the country in London, Leicester, Ashton,
Preston, Birmingham, Wellingborough and Loughborough.
Inspired
by His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, this year's walk was
once again an outstanding success. Close to 2,000 participants
walked for 10km in the glorious summer sunshine throughout the
country. Walkers between the age of 7 and 90 participated.
The walk
at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Neasden, London, commenced
at 9am from the Ceremonial Gate of the Mandir with the performance
of Vedic rituals in the presence of Atmaswarup Swami.
The route
was stewarded by the BAPS volunteers and medical assistance
was also provided. Arrangements for cold drinks and fruits were
also made at rest points. The event was managed by over 100
volunteers.
Young boys
and girls between the age of 4 and 7 also participated in their
own mini-walk around the perimeters of the Mandir completing
11 rounds.
This year,
participants contacted more than 50,000 people to obtain sponsorships.
The funds raised from this year's Sponsored Walk will be used
by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha for their various charitable –
social, cultural, moral, educational and humanitarian –
activities.