Lakshmi Manchu paddles 100 kms on a bicycle to raise funds for AMF

Hyderabad: Prominent actress, producer and humanitarian, Ms Lakshmi Manchu on Sunday paddled her maiden 100 kms on a bicycle from Infinity Para-sports Academy & Rehab Centre, Rasoolpura to Toopran and back, to raise funds for para-athletes at Aditya Mehta Foundation (AMF).

Speaking to media on the occasion, Ms Lakshmi said that she is associated with AMF since six year. She was happy to be part of this Foundation and participating in the fund-raising programme. She said that about Rs 6.5 lakh was raised through the ride and film producer Shobu Yarlagadda has extended matching grant of Rs 6.5 lakh. So, the total fund is Rs 13 lakhs, she added.

The ride was flagged off by Principal Secretary IT and Industry Jayesh Ranjan at 0500 hour at at the Infinity Para-sports Academy & Rehab Center, Begumpet.

Ms Lakshmi concluded the ride at the same venue around 1130 hours and got a momentous and rousing welcome from the Para-athletes at AMF. She was joined in the ride by the Indian Para-cycling Team and few other cyclists.

Ms Lakshmi Manchu underwent rigorous training under the guidance of Aditya Mehta, an UCI certified cycling coach, to give wings to her dream of pedalling 100 kms on bicycle for the first time in her life.

Her strenuous training regimen spread over the last one month without a break every single day as early as 0500 hours, involved 30 to 50 kms ride, on flats, slopes and hilly terrains to build the necessary speed and strength.

“Ms Lakshmi is sensitive and holds dear the cause of specially-abled athletes, over the years she contributed enormously in ensuring their well-being and raising their spirits to excel.

This time she tagged her dream of cycling 100 kms with a cause dear to her heart and is raising funds for AMF’s para-athletes. Ms Lakshmi had committed to raise Rs 5 lakhs through this expedition, but the initiative picked up such momentum that already Rs 13 lakh have been raised”, AMF Founder Aditya Mehta said.

AMF is a non-profit organization that aids people with disabilities to pursue sports while providing self-sustenance. (UNI)