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Special prayers for local Olympians

By Our Staff Reporter

KOTTAYAM, AUG. 26. Athens, though far, is so near for the people of Kottayam and Idukki districts. Five of the finest among them are engaged in the race for glory at the Olympics — Anju Bobby George and Chitra Soman belong to Kottayam while Bobby Aloysius, Beenamol and her brother Binu belong to Idukki.

For the past two weeks these two districts have been witnessing an unprecedented phenomenon. Thousands of people here have been engaged in special prayers. It is time for prayer not only by the kith and kin of the chosen ones, but for thousands of others who want to join them at their crucial hour.

Community prayer

The opening of the Olympic games was marked at Kottayam by a community prayer where the district authorities, religious leaders and sports lovers from all sections of life joined. The function held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium appears to have set the tone for the coming days. All the major temples received requests for special poojas for the `children' and most of the churches held special prayers for them.

Says Rahul, Chitra Soman's brother, ``Last Sunday there were special prayers for her at the church. We are all looking forward to her performance on Friday''.

Her parents were at the temple for prayers. In Idukki, too the situation is not different. Ever since the opening of the Games at Athens, special prayers for the `children' had been the unique feature at churches and temples.

The performance of Anju Bobby George has raised expectation levels. Now it is a prayerful wait for Friday when key athletic events have been scheduled.

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