Signing off

Sanas ground, from where the rally got flagged off, resembled a funfair as the volunteers gathered and celebrated the success of CYG. With slogans, music and a reason to party, their energies knew no bounds. According to Somnath Gadgil, NIEM student and a CYG volunteer, 8220;It has been a wonderful experience. We worked with CYG without getting any financial returns and the only reason behind that was the feeling that we are doing something for our city. Today, with this rally, we are happy that people would recognise us and remember us as the energy behind CYG.8221;

The rally that began at 4 pm was flagged off by MP Suresh Kalmadi, chairman, CYG. He was accompanied by Dhanraj Pillay, Tehseen Poonawalla, Lt Gen Ashok Kapoor, additional director general, CYG, members of organising committee and so on. Displaying the true spirit of success of CYG, the rally passed through Bajirao Road, Deccan and Fergusson College Road and concluded at Agriculture College. CYG mascott Jigrr was seen waving to the crowds from an open jeep.

The driving force of the event were the volunteers8217; efforts 8211; they had worked hard for the grand international sporting event. 8220;We made a lot of friends during CYG. Other than the fact that that this was a big international event, the most important aspect of it remains that it was a sporting event and this was our way of contributing to the sports that we love. We are happy that our efforts are recognised,8221; says Sharun Kumar, volunteer.

The day concluded with a rock concert by well-known band Agni organised specially for the volunteers.