Bubka comes to the 'aid' of poor kids

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http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Pune ... 614140.cms

Bubka comes to the 'aid' of poor kids
19 Oct 2008, 0506 hrs IST, TNN

PUNE: Pole vault legend Sergey Bubka on Saturday announced a sponsorship programme to help underprivileged children reach sporting excellence at

Udyan Mangal Karyalaya in the city.

Titled 'Sergey Bubka Sports Podium', the 44-year-old Ukraine citizen is planning this sponsorship initiative in a number of countries. In India, it is in association with city-based Community Aid and Sponsorship Programme (Casp).

According to David Alexander, who looks after public relations of the project, their association with Casp is the result of a survey done by Bubka's sponsorship people. "They wanted to start an initiative in India," he said. "This visit was planned earlier. The CYG and its closing ceremony coincided with it."

The details of the project are not yet worked out. But Casp and Bubka have agreed to work together in principle. Casp took this opportunity to felicitate their outstanding students in sports and academics at the hands of Bubka, who had visited India 15 years ago.

"Every one of us can change society," said Bubka. No one would have imagined that the pole vault legend, who set world records 35 times and won unprecedented six world championship titles in a row, will be at such a small place like Udyan Karyalaya.

Bubka arrived for the programme 10 minutes before schedule. He was visibly humble and got up from his chair every time a student wanted to his shake hand. "I hope this donation will help children to be harmonious people. Try to be better today than yesterday. The idea is not to stop at the same level."On his mantra to win in Olympics, he said: "If you are looking at a medal, always think gold."