The 16{+t}{+h}annual river-crossing event organised by Aqua Devils Welfare Association (ADWA), commemorating the Republic Day celebrations, witnessed overwhelming response from all age groups on Monday. The event which was flagged off from Durga Ghat culminated at Lotus Food City — covering a distance of 1.5 kilometres, without any untoward event.
The highlight of the event was a feat by a visually challenged boy — Palagani Mukesh Goud — who learnt the nuances of swimming for a week to take part in the event. Mukesh won the appreciation of everyone as he finished the race with gumption.
The event also saw swimmers trying out new things like tying hands, legs and swimming. “They used their body and head to surge ahead to cover the distance. We took all the precautions for the smooth conduct of the event,” said club president K.S. Ramachandra Rao.
As many as 217 swimmers from the Krishna and neighbouring Guntur district, Hyderabad and Bangalore took part in the event in which Health Minister Kamineni Srinivas, Endowments Minister Manikyala Rao and Narsapur MP Gokaraju Gangaraju took part as chief guests.
Mr Srinivas said that swimming gave courage and opportunity to save people in distress. “It is best exercise to keep you fit”. Mr. Raju said the motto of the association was to produce as many quality swimmers as possible for the society.
“We will also strive to produce national-level swimmers in days to come,” he added.
He said the members of the National Disaster Response Force trains at the association premises along with personnel from the Fire and the Police Departments. Profit Shoe company owner Koteswara Rao sponsored all the prizes.
As many as 217 swimmers from Krishna and neighbouring Guntur district, Hyderabad and Bangalore take part in the event
