CHIANG RAI, June 24 (TNA) – Marking the first anniversary
of the Tham Luang cave rescue, over 5,000 people including the survivors on
Sunday took part in the bike and run charitable event at the cave complex in
Chiang Rai province. 
Tham Luang Cave Day Bike and Run 2019 was organized on the
anniversary of the dramatic rescue operation to extract 12 young footballers
and their coach from the flooded cave complex between June 23 and July 10 last
year.
The man who headed the rescue mission, then Chiang Rai
governor, Narongsak Osotthanakorn chaired the launching ceremony of the event
in front of the cave.
Mr Narongsak said it felt like the operation happened just yesterday,
many of people whom he worked with reunited.
“It was the day to remember unity and sacrifice,” he said.
Aimed at raising fund for the Tham Luang Cave-Khun Nam Nang
Non Development Fund, the event consisted of a 10-kilometer-long mini-marathon,
a six-kilometer fun run and cycling on 54km and 24km routes.
Participants began the activities at Tham Luang cave on the
route taking them to historical sites related to the cave rescue operation.
Many of them were members of local running clubs and cycling
clubs. All proceeds will go to the Tham
Luang Cave-Khun Nam Nang Non Development Fund.
On June 23, 2018, 12 young footballers and the coach of the
Wild Boar Football Club in Chiang Rai were reported missing in the Tham Luang
Cave. The rescue operation lasting 17
days brought together cave divers and rescue experts from around the world.(TNA)
