28th Official Asian Games Fun Run in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan 21-08-2006

Over four hundred children sprinted to the finish line inside Duboviy Park, in Central Square of Bishkek, on Monday 21 August, as part of the 28th Official Asian Games Fun Run.  The Fun Run celebrated sport in Asia and highlighted the 15th Asian Games Doha 2006.

Organised by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and the Kyrgyzstan National Olympic Committee the Run consisted of three different age groups of children ranging from nine to thirteen years and 20 judges from Athletics Federation of Kyrgyz Republic were present to watch the race.

Many spectators both young and old turned up to watch the race and the sounds of Kyrgyz dance music could be heard across the park creating a buzz of excitement before the runners headed to the start line. The run took the children through a beautiful leafy green park, passed amusement rides, local markets and the parks cafes.    

Each child that took part was rewarded with a certificate of achievement and a limited edition 15th Asian Games T-shirt from the OCA.

There was some fierce competition in each group with some very close finishes and the winners from each race were presented with bronze, silver or gold medals by Kanat Amankulov - Secretary General NOC KGZ and Alexander Voiuov – Vice President NOC KGZ and head of kick boxing federation.

The event attracted wide-spread press attention and was featured that evening on National Bishkek TV, Independent Bishkek Television and Kyrgyz Channel One TV.  Local daily newspapers both in Kyrgyz and Russian language and HIT FM and 101.7 FM radio were also present to capture all the action.