Coimbatore: gets ready to welcome Chess Olympiad torch

COIMBATORE: A bus stop near the Lakshmi Mills Junction has been spruced up with chess-themed decorations to mark the Chess Olympiad, scheduled to take place in Chennai between July 28 and August 10.
Before the event could start in Chennai, the festive fervour will catch up with Coimbatore as the Chess Olympiad torch is all set to reach the city first, before it could reach its destination.
The district administration is making elaborate arrangements to receive the torch and take it around the city. A selfie point was installed at the Coimbatore collector’s office on Wednesday. Collector G S Sameeran inspected it and clicked some selfies.
Coimbatore corporation is planning to give a chess-themed makeover to more bus stops at Town Hall and Railway Junction. Painting of the tournament mascot ‘Thambi’ will adorn the pillars of flyovers at four places, deputy commissioner M Sharmila said. “A giant helium balloon will be used to promote the event. Selfie spots will be set up at six more places. Dance and cultural events will be organised as part of the torch rally. A few surprise elements have also been planned,” she said.
The torch procession will start at Valankulam and culminate at Codissia, where several events have been planned.