Marathon promoters refute AFI chief''s claims

Mumbai, Jan 17 (PTI) The promoters of the StandardChartered Mumbai Marathon today refuted the claim of workingpresident of the Athletics Federation of India, AdilleSumariwalla, that they charged a percentage of fees fromchairities raised by NGOs during the annual race.

"The statements (made) by Adille Sumariwala regardingthe Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon are untrue," a mediarelease from race promoters Procam International said today.

The promoters clarified that the entire process ofraising money for charity through the marathon was coordinatedby the official charity partner of the event.

"All cheques and contributions are made out directly toUnited Way of Mumbai, who then disburse the funds to thevarious NGOs that are registered with them. ProcamInternational, in no way, and at no step, is involved in thisprocess," the statement said, adding audited figures are alsoavailable on the United Way of Mumbai website.

Olympian Sumariwalla, a former national sprint champion,said yesterday that the race promoters charged a percentage offees from the charities raised by NGOs who took part in theevent.

The promoters also denied Sumariwalla''s charge that theyhad not sought AFI''s permission, as they did in previousyears, to run yesterday''s 8th edition of the marathon and saidthey had informed the federation well in advance and got noresponse. (More) PTI SSR DK SHN