Mangaluru: Many children from orphanages across the city had a gala time here on Sunday participating in games and sports events organised especially for them.

The Rotary Orphanage Olympics was organised for children living in 10 orphanages in and around the city. Children enjoyed participating in simple games such as frog race, tug of war, balancing the book race, spoon and lemon race and sack race among others.

The children looked relaxed and mingled well with fellow kids and seemed completely obliterated about their agony and grief as they rejoiced, played and danced in abundant joy at the Sharada Vidyalaya grounds. The event was organised by the Rotary Club of Mangalore Central. The day began with 500 kids presenting a spectacular march past.

In his inaugural address Nitte University Chancellor N Vinay Hegde lauded the selfless service of Rotary by responding to the needs of children. He said Rotary was doing a commendable job by providing a platform and equal opportunity to children to showcase their skills and talent while also eliminating social inequality.

Sharada institutions president Prof M B Puranik said voluntary service organisations should strive hard to eliminate social evils and inequality prevailing in the society.

Chairman of organising committee Dr Devadas Rai said that the event is a part of their community development oriented service project. The aim and objective is to bring a smile on the faces of children and make them feel that they are not lonely, said Rai.

The children participated in every event with gusto and displayed their talent in cultural competitions held later.