A test of physical endurance

BANGALORE: Oxfam Trailwalker is the world’s greatest team challenge to overcome poverty and injustice because it comprises challenges to complete 100 km in 48 hours. The registered teams are going for a race on November 5. Last date for registration is November 15. Oxfam India plans to organise a Training Weekend on December 10 and 11 at the event site.With teams of four required to walk (or run) 100 km in 48 hours, it is a test of physical endurance requiring mental strength and team spirit. Oxfam Trailwalker is a global phenomenon which started as a training exercise for the Gurkha Regiment in Hong Kong 30 years ago. Last year, 15 Oxfam Trailwalker were organised in twelve countries.                      Oxfam Trailwalker began in 1981 as a military training exercise for the elite Queen’s Gurkha Signals Regiment in Hong Kong. The record time of completion for Oxfam Trailwalker is 9 hours 50 minutes, achieved by the Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistics Regiment in Great Britain in 2004.  In 2011, Oxfam Trailwalker is taking place in 15 locations in 12 countries, including three in Australia and two in England. Oxfam is marking its 60th year in India this year.  It is fitting that in this historic year for the Oxfam family, Oxfam India has just become the newest and 15th member of the Oxfam International. The Oxfams are rights-based organisations that fight poverty and injustice by linking grassroots programming (through partner NGOs) to local, national and global advocacy and policy-making.All of Oxfam’s work is framed by our commitment to five broad rights-based aims: the right to a sustainable livelihood, the right to basic social services, the right to life and security, the right to be heard and the right to equality: gender and diversity. The overarching vision of Oxfam India is right to life with dignity for all. Oxfam India works in partnership with 200 grassroots NGOs to address root causes of absolute poverty and inequality in the four areas of — economic justice, essential services, gender justice and, humanitarian response and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR).