Yogathon 2011 (New Zealand) launched

PRESS RELEASE (17 August 2011)

Yogathon 2011 (New Zealand) launched, to continue till 27th August

New Zealand witnessed the start of a unique “Health for Humanity” Yogathon 2011 on the 13th of August 2011 in a number of cities. The event is free of cost and open to all!

Over a period of 15 days, the event participants across New Zealand aim to collectively perform 100,000 repetitions of ‘Surya Namaskar’ (Sun Salutation). The repetitions can be done under available trainers in a group, or from the comfort of the participant’s home, and the count communicated to the coordinators before the end of the Yogathon fortnight (details of website below).

A repetition of Surya Namaskar consists of a series of simple yoga postures of well-balanced movements linked with simple breathing technique.

Yogathon 2011 launch was marked by coordinated formal opening ceremonies in Auckland, Hamilton, Rotorua, and Wellington. In Auckland, the launch was held in the suburbs of Henderson, Mount Eden, North Shore and Flat Bush. Registrants from other cities such as Nelson have also started the process of recording their daily repetitions of Sun Salutations as part of Yogathon 2011.

The purpose of Yogathon is to promote yoga widely in a scientific perspective of health, to help introduce it as a part of school curriculum in future, encourage healthy living, and connect yoga schools and practitioners in New Zealand through participation in this planned annual event.

The enthusiastic response to Yogathon 2011 can be gauged by the following highlights:

1. 56 group registrations have been received, consisting of various Yoga studios, dance schools, community and religious organisations, gyms/ health clubs, and community schools.
2. Total individual registrations are close to 1000.
3. Art of Living Foundation members are working towards 30000 counts
4. Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh volunteers have pledged 15000 counts
5. Children as young as three years old from the Wellington Hindi School participated in collective sun salutations under the guidance of the Wellington coordinator Mrs. Aparna Roy.
6. Launch centres participants Sunrya Namaskar Count is : 3,000

We are thankful for the support of our partners and sponsors - Baba Ramdev’s JMJK group in Auckland, Media partners (Radio Tarana, Access Radio Wellington, Indian Weekender, Indianz Outlook, volunteers in various cities, and all the group and individual registrants.

Registrations are open and can be done online if you wish to be a part of this national event that promotes Yoga for a healthy life.

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