The Fifth Inter-Parish Sports Fest (IPSF 2024), featuring parishes from the Texas-Oklahoma region of the St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Diocese of Chicago, had a grand opening in Houston.

The official inauguration was marked by the lighting of the lamp by Bishop Mar Joy Alappatt of the Chicago Diocese, Bishop Emeritus Mar Jacob Angadiath, Fr. Jonikkutti George Pulissery, Vicar of St. Joseph Syro-Malabar Forane in Houston, Fort Bend County Judge KP George, Missouri City Mayor Robin Elackatt, Stafford City Mayor Ken Mathew, main sponsor JB Parackal, and fest chief coordinators Sijo Jose and Tom Kunthara.

Diocesan Procurator Rev. Fr. Kurian Neduvelichalungal, Diocesan Youth Apostolate Fr. Melvin Paul Mangalath, Houston Forane Assistant Vicar Fr. George Parayil, Fr. James Nirappel, Fr. Mathew Munjanattu, Fr. Jimmy Edakkalthur, Fr. Anto Alappatt, Fr. Jimmy James Payyampallil, Fr. Antony Pittappillil, Fr. Varghese Kunnath, Fr. George C. George, Fr. Roy Kalayil, Fr. Joseph Alex, grand sponsor Alex Kudukachira, platinum sponsor Aneesh Simon, and sports coordinators from various parishes were also present at the event.

Bishop Mar Joy Alappatt wished that the sports fest would contribute to the unity of the regional faithful and for the glory of God.

The event was colorful with a march-past led by the parishes. Bishop Mar Joy Alappatt and Bishop Emeritus Mar Jacob Angadiath received the salute during the march past. Various cultural programs followed on stage.

This is the largest sports fest in the diocese in America. Over 5,000 people, including 1,500 athletes from eight parishes, participated in 17 sports events, turning the fest into a gathering of the faithful.

St. Joseph Syro-Malabar Forane in Houston is hosting the fifth fest. The sports fest, which began on August 1, will conclude on August 4.