Funds crunch hits Uttarakhand Olympics prep

RUDRAPUR: Organisers of the fifth Uttarakhand Olympic Games are seeking donations from local industries and sponsors as they face a financial crisis due to a lack of govt funding. The event, scheduled to be held from Friday to Sept 27, is expected to cost over Rs 1.5 crore.
Sources said the food expenses alone will amount to around Rs 49 lakh, assuming an expenditure of Rs 100 per person per day.Other major expenses would include transportation, accommodation, logistics, and VIP arrangements.
Despite the challenges, preparations are nearly complete. The event is crucial for selecting athletes for the 38th National Games.
Udham Singh Nagar’s district magistrate (DM) Udayraj Singh, who chairs the organising committee, said, “We are expecting around 6,000 players and 1,500 officials. Organising the games without any govt funding is a daunting task, but we are committed to ensuring its success.”
To bridge the funding gap, the US Nagar district collectorate has reached out to Sidcul Entrepreneur Welfare Society (SEWS) and other potential sponsors, seeking contributions for food, transportation, etc.