Kochi: As part of the lead-up to International Olympic Day celebrations, the Ernakulam District Olympic Association has launched a series of programmes across the district. A brochure outlining the events was officially released at the Ernakulam Press Club. The brochure was handed over to Press Club President R. Gopakumar by Association Vice President Adv. E.M. Sunilkumar and Secretary General Joy Paul. Treasurer V.A. Moitheen Naina and Joint Secretary Sajeev S. Nair were also present at the event.
Subsequently, an organizing committee meeting was held at Santa Monica Conference Hall, Ravipuram, under the chairmanship of District Olympic Association President Benny Thomas. A 51-member organizing committee was formed for the Olympic Day celebrations, with Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan serving as Chief Patron. Ministers, the Mayor of Kochi Corporation, Members of Parliament, Members of the Legislative Assembly, and the Managing Director of Kochi Metro will serve as patrons. Danny Thomas has been appointed Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Joy Paul as General Secretary, and V.A. Moitheen Naina as General Convener.
Association officials also announced that the Ernakulam District Olympic Association’s office at Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, Kaloor, will be inaugurated soon.
As part of the Olympic Forest Campaign, a tree-planting programme will be inaugurated by Kochi Corporation Mayor Adv. M. Anilkumar on June 15 at Bhavan’s Vidya Mandir School, Girinagar. Corporation Standing Committee Chairpersons T.K. Ashraf, Seena Gokulan, and Jismi Gerald will address the gathering.
A painting competition for UP, High School, and Higher Secondary students will be held on June 18. The event will be inaugurated by Jismi Gerald, Chairperson of the Education and Sports Standing Committee.
On June 20, a Sports Quiz Competition for Class 10 and Plus Two students will be conducted at Santa Monica Conference Hall. The competition will be inaugurated by Dr. J. Jacob, President of the District Sports Council.
The highlight of the celebrations, the Olympic Run, will be held on June 23. The programme will commence at 8:15 a.m. at Maharaja’s Stadium, Ernakulam, where Kochi City Police Commissioner S. Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar, IPS, will hoist the Olympic flag and deliver the Olympic Day message. District Collector G. Priyanka, IAS, will flag off the Olympic Mass Run and address the participants. Former Indian Volleyball Team Captain V.A. Moitheen Naina will administer the Olympic pledge.
The run will proceed through the city and conclude at the Water Metro terminal near the Marine Drive Walkway. Former Kerala Police Chief Loknath Behera, IPS, will attend as the chief guest, deliver a message, and distribute prizes to participants. Kerala Olympic Association Senior Vice President P. Mohandas and Ernakulam District Olympic Association Senior Vice President P. Anilkumar will also speak at the closing ceremony. The event will begin with a welcome address by Secretary General Joy Paul and conclude with a vote of thanks by Sajeev S. Nair.
