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Furthering Malappuram's sporting spirit

The sporting spirit of Malappuram district is known beyond the nation's boundaries. The World Cup Football that concluded in Germany a month ago helped Malappuram further its sporting zest. The football love of this district had become a topic of discussion even in the international media.

Yet it may be a paradox that the district does not have a decent playing ground, let alone a stadium to boast.

When a Saudi Arabia-based NRI businessman constructed a mini-stadium and donated it to the public at Kodoor near Malappuram recently, it attracted wide coverage in the media for the simple reason that anything done in the name of sport would make news in the district.

As though woken up from its slumber, Malappuram District Sports Council has now come forward to chalk out a comprehensive sports development programme for the district. The Sports Council knows that it cannot do much alone. So it has garnered the support of the Federation of Malappuram District Sports Associations and the Sports Promotion Academy, Manjeri, in its proposed venture.

As a first step, the sports council will hold a workshop on `comprehensive sports development for the district' at Municipal Town Hall, Manjeri, on August 24.

Objective

The objective, according to the organisers, is to further the sporting zest and capabilities of the district by involving educational, civic, voluntary, arts and sports institutions.

Apart from the MPs from Malappuram, the 12 MLAs from the district, Directors of Sports, Education and Local body affairs, presidents and secretaries of the district, block and grama panchayat councils, headmasters of aided, unaided and Government schools, and others associated with sports are being invited to the workshop.

Say the organisers; "we are doing it with a lofty objective. We expect everyone, including politicians and bureaucrats, to respond with the same passion."

Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs M. Vijayakumar will inaugurate the workshop at 10 a.m. Minister for Local Self-Administration Paloli Mohammed Kutty will preside over the inaugural.

Those wishing to take part in the workshop should register their names with A. Sreekumar, general convener of the district sports council on 0483-273 4701, or the Sports Promotion Academy, Manjeri, at 9847 015636 before August 21 evening.

Abdul Latheef Naha

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