STORY: Afghan kids race for cultural heritage protection in mini-marathon
SHOOTING TIME: June 15, 2024
DATELINE: June 17, 2024
LENGTH: 00:03:45
LOCATION: BAMIYAN, Afghanistan
CATEGORY: SPORTS

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the mini-marathon in Bamiyan City
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Dari): MOHAMMAD TAQQI TAQADOSI, Organizer of the mini-marathon 
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Dari): BAHAR ALIZADA, 10-year-old competitor in the mini-marathon
4. various of young competitors in the mini-marathon in Bamiyan City

STORYLINE:

Some clad in simple sandals, Afghan children from the Bamiyan Valley set off on a run in front of the UNESCO-listed giant Buddhas site, an iconic symbol of Afghanistan's rich cultural history.

The event, which commenced on Saturday, was a mini-marathon organized by Afghan and Chinese archaeologists, including members from Bamyan University, Shanghai University, and Shanghai International Studies University.

The marathon aimed to raise local awareness of the urgent need to protect cultural relics in this war-torn country, according to the organizers.

Bamiyan is home to numerous cultural heritage sites, including the renowned Buddha statues that have stood for more than 1,400 years. In 2003, the cultural landscape and archaeological remains of Bamiyan Valley were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Unfortunately, these invaluable relics have suffered significant damage due to over four decades of war and civil strife, with many at risk of further deterioration if not properly restored and protected.

A total of 48 Afghan children, including 26 boys and 22 girls, participated in the marathon, according to Mohammad Taqqi Taqadosi, an organizer of the race. 
SOUNDBITE 1 (Dari): MOHAMMAD TAQQI TAQADOSI, Organizer of the mini-marathon
"Our message to the world is that as the cultural heritage, especially in Bamiyan, belongs to all humanity, people around the world have a responsibility to help protect it."

The children, aged between six and 12, were selected from families living in and around the Buddhas site. Taqadosi explained that through this event, they were trying to amplify their voices, encouraging both Afghans and the international community to safeguard these cultural treasures.

The race covered a distance of 4.2 km, with the top three runners receiving awards, including shoes and T-shirts, sponsored by the organizers.

The mini-marathon also served as a platform for the young participants to express their commitment to preserving Bamiyan's heritage.

SOUNDBITE 2 (Dari): BAHAR ALIZADA, 10-year-old competitor in the mini-marathon
"I contested the race today to show the importance of cultural heritage, like Buddha statues and Shahr-e-Zuhak, and to show people not to damage the cultural heritage."
Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Bamiyan, Afghanistan.
(XHTV)