Kochi, Apr 4 (IANS): The first of the series of the ambitious road shows to popularise the 2010 New Delhi Commonwealth Games was launched with much fanfare here Saturday.

As a part of this elaborate public contact programme initiated by the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee, cultural events, road shows, painting competitions, quiz programmes and dance festivals are being organised across the nation.

Kochi becomes the first stop in the countrywide road shows. Jiji Thomson, special director-general of CGOC, is spearheading this initiative.

School children turned out in large number for the painting competition. Shera, the Games' mascot, was introduced to everyone and especially to the children.

"I am happy to see so many children coming out and participating in the painting competition and taking the message ?come out and play' in its real spirit," said, Thomson.

"With six months to go before the Games, the time has now come for all Indians to come together and be a part of the event," Thomson said.

"Through the road shows, we wish to galvanise and mobilise people across the country and encourage them to be a part of this mega event."

On the second day of the event Sunday, an exhibition of selected paintings from today's competition will be held at the venue.

On the final day of the road show, the CGOC would make a detailed presentation on the Games to people from different walks of life in the state.