ARCHIVED MEDIA RELEASE
PA/17/2001 18 September 2001
Delhi students join Clean up the World campaign
The chief organiser of the Sydney Olympic Games today launched a clean-up campaign by Delhi students, as part of an international movement for a cleaner environment.
The Indian contribution to the 2001 Clean Up the World campaign kicked off in New Delhi today. Mr Sandy Hollway, former CEO of the Sydney Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (SOCOG) launched the effort at the National Rail Museum.
About 1000 students from 17 Delhi schools are taking part in this year's campaign. Some will plant trees at the rail museum on 18 September and most will clean up their neighbourhoods or school grounds the next day.
They will be joining volunteers in a 120-nation effort coordinated from Australia, in an initiative started by Australian sailor and environmentalist Ian Kiernan in 1989. Dismayed by ocean pollution, Kiernan called on Sydney dwellers to clean up their harbour. This grew into Clean Up Australia and then the Clean Up the World campaign.
Mr Hollway said that there was "no better example" of how individuals could make a difference in their community than the clean-up campaign.
"It provides a direct benefit for the environment," he said.
"It also captures the spirit of volunteering and community service. I admire and congratulate all our friends in India who are involved in the campaign."
Australian High Commissioner to India Rob Laurie said the Clean Up the World campaign in Delhi had gone "from strength to strength."
"Last year, seven schools took part in the Delhi campaign - this year we have 17 schools and up to 1000 students taking part," he said.
"Several schools from last year's campaign have made long-term commitment to a clean environment, looking after their school grounds or surrounding areas such as parks."
Mr Hollway is visiting India from 17-21 September to speak on the management of the Games and the role of volunteers. About 60,000 volunteers helped in staging the Sydney Olympics. Mr Hollway is now Chairman of the New South Wales Advisory Committee for the International Year of Volunteers.
For additional information about the CUTW campaign, please contact Rory Medcalf on tel # 6888 223, extension 197.