The City of Dreams, Mumbai, has opened its heart and purse to help masters athlete Parag Patil achieve his dream of participating in the Australian Masters Games at Canberra from October 18-25.

After mid-day published Patil’s story on Wednesday (edition dated September 4), highlighting his accomplishments as a masters athlete who is struggling with funds for his next major competition, within 24 hours Patil received over R1,20,000.

“I don’t have words to express my gratitude. I’m totally overwhelmed. Thank you to all of the donors. Till yesterday, I had no idea of how I would arrange the funds for my trip, but today I’m relieved because my air fare and visa fees are covered here. Now I can focus on my training and winning the medals I have promised for India,” an emotional Patil told mid-day on Thursday.