To commemorate 50 years of the Special Olympics programme, a three-day programme was organized in Kerala.
- This three-day programme was inaugurated in Kerala on 12th January 2018 in presence of the Member of the Parliament Shashi Tharoor was the Chief Guest for the event.
- The state ignited the Special Olympics torch of hope on 1st January to celebrate 50 years of Special Olympics to kick-start the state athletic meet.
- The torch was lit in Kassargod and travelled through all 14 districts to finally reaching to Trivandrum.
- The event is organized by the Special Olympics Bharat – Kerala Chapter in collaboration with the National Charitable Trust. 15000 athletes and 5000 coaches from 14 districts had come together to celebrate the event.
- The event is titled as ‘Ekata’ and it brought together many athletes and coaches at the Lakshmibai National College of Physical Education (LNCPE) Greenfield Stadium.
- Around 20,000 athletes, 5000 coaches, professionals, government officials, law enforcers etc. participated in this mega event.
