Thiruvananthapuram, the vibrant capital of Kerala, is abuzz with preparations to host the 67th Kerala School Sports Meet. This grand event, designed to mirror the spirit of the Olympics, will unfold across 12 venues from October 21 to 28.
General Education Minister V. Sivankutty shared details at a recent press conference, confirming that all arrangements are meticulously in place. The festival is set to welcome an impressive contingent of nearly 20,000 athletes, including special participants from inclusive sports categories. In a unique highlight, 35 students from seven Kerala syllabus schools located in the Middle East region will also join the competition, adding an international flavor to the meet.
The Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, will officially kick off the meet at the University Stadium on October 21. The opening ceremony promises to be a spectacle, beginning with a traditional march past. Football legend I.M. Vijayan and the General Education Minister will have the honor of lighting the ceremonial torch, symbolizing the start of the games. Attendees can look forward to a dazzling cultural show that will beautifully present Kerala’s rich artistic traditions and heritage. Competitive sporting events are slated to begin on October 22.
Adding a touch of star power, renowned cricketer Sanju Samson has been named the brand ambassador for the athletic meet, while popular actor Keerthy Suresh will serve as its goodwill ambassador.
Trophy and Torch Relays Build Anticipation
Leading up to the main event, the prestigious Chief Minister’s Trophy has embarked on a celebratory relay journey through all 14 districts of Kerala. This journey, which started in Neeleswaram, Kasaragod, on October 16, reached Thiruvananthapuram district on Sunday. It was warmly received at Government Higher Secondary School, Thattathumala. The trophy procession will continue its route through all constituencies within the district on Monday, eventually arriving at Government Model Girls Higher Secondary School (GHSS), Pattom, before making its way to the University Stadium for the opening ceremony on Tuesday.
Concurrently, a torch relay that commenced in Ernakulam on Sunday will also make its way through various schools in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday. Both the torch and trophy processions will converge at Pattom Government Model GHSS before proceeding to the grand opening venue, creating a wave of excitement across the region.
Minister Sivankutty highlighted that the organizing headquarters for the meet has been established at Shikshak Sadan in Thiruvananthapuram. A dedicated team of 16 subcommittees is working tirelessly to ensure every aspect of the event runs smoothly. To cater to the large number of participants, a massive dining facility capable of serving 2,500 people simultaneously has been set up at Putharikandam Maidan. Visitors can also explore an exhibition at the venue that proudly displays a decade of Kerala’s significant sporting achievements.
For the accommodation of the athletes, 74 schools have been transformed into temporary hostels. Additionally, 142 buses have been arranged to provide transportation for the students, ensuring convenience. Comprehensive sanitation and modern e-toilet facilities are also readily available across all sports grounds and hostels.
In a historic first, the athletic meet, structured along Olympic lines, features an original theme song. This song holds special significance as it was entirely composed, performed, and produced by talented students from government schools. The heartfelt lyrics were penned by Prafuldas V., a Class XII student from Government Higher Secondary School, Pottassery. The captivating music was created by Shivankari P. Thankachi, a Class IX student from Cotton Hill Government Girls HSS. Shivankari, along with other students from Cotton Hill Government GHSS and Thycaud Model Boys HSS, beautifully rendered the theme song, marking another proud moment for Kerala’s student community.