Jain Spirit 2003 10 No 16

Author(s): Jain Spirit UK
Publisher: UK Young Jains

Page 18

GLOBAL NEWS
INSIDE JAIN SPIRIT
WALKING IN SUNSHINE
Posing for the camera, ready to set off
3 Peaks Challenge for 3 charities
Limbering up
Jatin Shah flags off the challenge EVEN THE BRITISH WEATHER CO-OPERATED AS 80 eager hikers set off on the Yorkshire Dales Three Peaks Walk, a sponsored walk of nearly 25 miles organised by Jain Spirit. On a warm and sunny day the 80 participants, aged between 12 and 61 years, took up the challenging route, which included climbing and descending three small mountains (Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, Ingleborough) in the heart of some of the finest English countryside. The participants had been training for this walk for months, and their efforts paid off as they ascended the picturesque peaks to be rewarded with stunning views of hills, valleys and lakes basked in the all-too-rare British sunshine.
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Team work
Jain Spirit had chosen this particular fundraising venture because of the spiritual significance of mountains in the Jain tradition, which regards them as peaks of sanctuary, particularly conducive to awakening the spiritual self. This thought accompanied and strengthened the hikers, whose day started with a moving rendition of the universal prayer Namokar Mantra by Jatin Shah, a prominent social worker. Certainly, the Yorkshire Dales proved to be full of good vibrations for our 80 participants, who all succeeded in giving their very best. The day was particularly memorable for the spirit of camaraderie, teamwork and mutual support
Jain Spirit September November 2003
Jain Education International 2010 03
lates
2 qu Jug MThing to trou To orvinas drug desi
The picturesque route towards Whernside
shoqrai ne med To
Basking in sunshine
Refuelling
amongst the participants, as well as the cheerful assistance of a team of volunteers who fed, watered and encouraged the walkers as they passed through each of the checkpoints along the route. 77 participants finished the course, and most managed to do it within 12 hours, which entitles them to coveted membership of the Three Peaks of Yorkshire' club. The strongest motivating factor for each participant was undoubtedly the fact that they were raising money to support three worthwhile charities. The proceeds of the sponsored walk will be shared between the following organisations:
Sargent Cancer Care for Children, a leading U.K. charity for young people with cancer to whom it offers emotional, social and financial support.
The Farm Animal Sanctuary, Worcestershire, offering refuge to sick or injured farm animals. It has over 600 rescued animals in its care. The Sanctuary is run on a voluntary basis, relying on public fund-raising.
Jain Spirit, which is committed to sharing Jain values globally through this quarterly magazine.
Photos: Atul K. Shah