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At 101, Fauja Singh Dazzles In Olympic Torch Relay

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London, Jul 22: Punjab-born Fauja Singh, who defies age to run marathons, drew the loudest cheers as the Olympic Torch was carried by him, Olympic medal winners and leading individuals through London amidst a welcome clear sky and sunshine.

Clad in all-white apparel and a matching white turban, the sprightly Singh carried the torch accompanied by hundreds of admirers, including Sikhs with yellow T-shirts bearing Singh's image, who hailed him every moment of the distance he travelled.

Singh was born in 1911, and began running at 86 to keep himself occupied.

He has since set several records for people of his age, running six London marathons, two Canada marathons and the New York marathon.

Clearly a bit of a sensation for his achievements, his participation in the relay on Saturday was described by admirers and onlookers as "a moment of history".

Singh, who carried the Olympics Torch in Athens eight years ago, now wants to carry it before the 2016 Olympics too, when he will be 105.

Hundreds of Sikhs organised a 'langar' at 16 points along the torch relay route to celebrate Fauja Singh's efforts.

The torch from Greenwich to Waltham Forest was carried by several Olympians, including Nadia Comaneci, and Indian-origin individuals who have excelled in various fields, such as Kaushali Trivedi (23), Natasha Sinha (15), Priya Rajgor (20) and Dhrashti Shah (16).

The relay's youngest and oldest (Fauja Singh) were among the 143 torch-bearers on Sunday.

The youngest was Chester Chambers, 12, who was nominated for representing his classmates, fundraising and helping to develop an anti-bullying campaign.

Saturday was the first day of the Olympics torch's seven-day tour of London in the final countdown to the Games.

Hopes that the constant rains of the last few weeks will give way to sunshine during the Olympics were realised, as Saturday's relay was held amidst a clear sky.

United Sikhs, the charity organisation that organised the 'langar', distributed thousands of 'roti rolls' along the torch relay route.

The 'langar' was held to "celebrate the wonderful achievements of this under-spoken treasure of the Sikh community", organisers said.

Parvinder Kaur, manager of the 'langar' project, said: "We are proud to share with the public the 500-year-old Sikh tradition of serving free meals to celebrate the carrying of the Olympic Torch by Bhai Fauja Singh".
 

findingmyway

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Aug 17, 2010
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Drawing inspiration from Fauja Singh, a Sikh running group has been created and Fauja Singh is a member. More details here:
http://www.sikhsinthecity.org/

They are looking for 16 teams of 5 runners each or donations towards the cost of hosting the event. Closing date for entries is 10th August so get your running shoes on!!

If you do go, let us know how it goes :singhbhangra::mundabhangra:
 
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findingmyway

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Aug 17, 2010
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/SRHBa2p0kbU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/UOLIkNrmJSc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ntUZi2W8GtA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/wSyD37WpNpQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/jX4sb85DnvY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
 
Jul 18, 2007
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I'm lucky to live in East London where Fauja Singh lives and regularly bump into him on at the local Gurdwara.

He's an amazing person full of life and simplicity. We are very fortunate to have such a positive role model representing the Sikh faith as he is beyond politics and live's Sikhi day to day in his actions.

I was at the torch relay and the atmosphere was amazing, words cannot explain.

http://youtu.be/PXOKRhZ1DjA

He actually did an unofficial Torch parade down Southall Broadway to celebrate the end of the yearly SACA Charity Bike Ride from Birmingham to Southall which was equally amazing.
:singhbhangra:
 

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