Staff Reporter
Dimapur, October 20
With an aim to promote green tourism and introduce cycling as a professional sport in Nagaland, the second annual Hornbil1 Cycle Rally on the theme 'See Green See Life-Save the Hornbills' will be flagged off on December 8 from Kisama Heritage Village. The Hornbill Cycle Rally, an annual event with no age bar for participants, was started in the year 2012 which was endorsed and sponsored by Department of Tourism, Government of Nagaland, and supported by Nagaland Cycling Association (NCA).
Addressing media persons, Ricky Ozukum, while mentioning the importance of cycling, said the aim of the rally was to make cycling a professional sport for the Nagas. He also stated that the rally will create awareness and draw attention on the importance of environmental conservation, a healthy lifestyle and energy conservation.
At the 1st Annual Hornbil1 Cycle Rally, a total of 42 participants turned up where participants as old as 65 years have taken part in the rally. Officials have expected more than 60 participants in this year rally. It was informed that already 20 participants have confirmed their participation.
Th event is being organized by Tourism, travel and tourism division of Alaphra Group, based in Dimapur whose main vision is to develop and employ the youth. The group is involved in diverse activities such as travel and tourism, events and trainings.
The officials have urged the Nagas to support the rally in order to highlight community responsibility and corporate social responsibility, thus taking an active role in protecting the environment and encouraging others to do the same.
NCA, who have organized two rallies in a year, also plans to organize competitive events from the following year in different districts on Nagaland’s tourists’ attractions where the winners will be send to compete in national levels.
The officials informed that the registration for the rally will start next week. This year’s rally will consist of two categories; 14 km route which will cover a short distance from Kisama to Old DC Bungalow, Kohima, and 30 km route which will begin at the Kisama Heritage Village and traverses the scenic mountain trail covering miles of Valleys, fields, rivers, and forests.
