Scores of children belonging to economically weaker section participated in a sports meet and competed in various races, throws, jumps and other athletic events.
With an aim to integrate and bring kids from economically disadvantaged strata of society into the mainstream, an inter-NGO sports day was organised by Secure Giving in aid of Concern India Foundation at the Palam Air Force ground.
Besides offering an enjoyable day-out experience, the sports meet also provided an opportunity for the children from various NGOs to intermingle with each other and share their learnings.
“I felt happy about meeting so many children and playing with them,” said Renu, 10-year-old, who participated in a relay race.
“The sports day gave me an opportunity to play. In our jhuggi jhopri there is no place to playground. More such events should be organised for kids like us,” said Jitender who lives in jhuggi jhopri cluster in west Delhi’s Meera Bagh.
Games play an important role in a child’s physical and psychological development, said Nidhi Singh, Director, Concern India Foundation. “Sports and physical education are fundamental to the early development of children and the skills learned while playing contribute to their holistic development,” Singh added.
“Having access to something as simple as a playground is a luxury for them. Such events should become a regular practice where children from different communities come together and have a fun day,” added Singh.
Physical activities help cultivate a spirit of competition and sportsmanship which pushes children to challenge themselves and surpass their limitations, she said.
Another kid, Chaina said, “I like playing games and participating in such competition. I concentrate on enjoying the game rather than winning it.”
“Such events not only give us the chance to play but also provides us the opportunity to make new friends,” she added. Meena said, “We are excited to be part of such a competition which help us break free from our daily routines.”
Experts say that a strong sports culture contributes greatly to the all-round development of a child.
