A first of its kind fund-raising carnival in Kerala, the SWIMATHON, was organised by GPS on Saturday, 03rd August 2019.

The event was held in association with Special Olympics Bharat, a National Sports Foundation that uses sport as a catalyst to transform the lives of children and adults with special needs. Special Olympics Bharat is accredited by Special Olympics Inc. USA to conduct its Sports programs all over India.

At the inaugural ceremony, Ms. Raman Rekhi, Director, Marketing and Communications, Special Olympics Bharat, reiterated the importance of acceptance and respect for all human beings, irrespective of ability or disability. Mr. Sreekumar Kartha, Dean and Principal, GPS; Sister Rani, Program Manager, Special Olympics Kerala; Agastya Rana, Youth Leader, Special Olympics Bharat and Simran Sahni, Intern, Special Olympics Bharat, graced the occasion.

At the SWIMATHON, students and parents swam a set number of laps, which was sponsored by friends and well-wishers. Each lap of 25 metres carried a sponsorship amount of Rs.20. Some of the swimmers even completed 80 to 100 laps in one go. More than 3500 laps were collectively completed today at the mega swimming event. The proceeds from this sponsorship will be contributed to the Special Olympics Bharat Team.

Adarsh from Holy Grace Special School, Kuruvalangad and Maneesha from Snehabhavan, Piravom also participated in the SWIMATHON to promote the concept of ‘inclusion revolution’.

The fund raising endeavour was boosted by various games and food stalls which offered a wide range of fare, mostly made by the students and staff of GPS. A sale of paintings and other art work of the students was also organised at the fete.

The event which was organised to raise funds for development of Sports for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities, concluded at 01.00 p.m.