Community Corner
Memorial 6K Could Draw 1,000 Participants
Advance registration for a 6K run/walk in honor of those killed and injured during the Sikh temple attacks has been strong.
Registration for a memorial 6K run set for Saturday at Oak Creek High School has been brisk.
As of Thursday night, 625 people registered online for the event, said Rahul Dubey, one of the organizers of the event.
He expects about 100 more by the time online registration closes Friday night, and a few hundred or so to register at the event Saturday morning.
The 6K, called Chardi Kala, will start at 10 a.m. at Oak Creek High School. On-site registration begins at 8:30 a.m., and speakers will take the stage at 9:30 a.m.
Organizers are making the event both a remembrance of the six lives lost on Aug. 5, 2012, as well as a celebration of communities coming together. Donations will support the Chardhi Kala Memorial Scholarship fund.
Chardhi Kala "is the spirit or relentless optimism: a philosophy that empowers us to persevere and grow from hardship," according to an event flyer.
It's been a huge undertaking for organizers, many of whom are younger members of the temple without any experience planning such events, Dubey said.
But they have gotten a lot of support from other organizations and faith groups, whether it be manpower or money, he said.
"We are getting a surprising response from other youth members or adult members from other congregations," Dubey said. "They're willing to help. They're willing to volunteer. Even some kids and folks who were first-timers at the temple in the Sikh community, they also helped us organizing and volunteering at the event."
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