THANE: With schools now starting to focus more on
physical education and highlighting the importance of sports, more
parents seem to be encouraging their children to pursue various
sports rather than merely concentrating on just plain academic excellence.
On the occasion of international day of sports which was observed on April 6, TOI speaks about the changing notion of parents and teachers who have realized the value of sports and are incorporating it in the life of their kids/students.
Be it for improving the all-round development of the child or only for maintaining their physical fitness, sports is not only been taken up as a co-curricular activity in schools, but is also now an integral part of the holistic approach to education.
Principal of Billabong High International School, Kalyani Chaudhari, said, “Unlike before, schools have now started concentrating on sports and have made it a point to include it in their co-curricular activities. Because of this, the child may develop a liking to a particular sport. Sometimes, parents approach the school authority and tell us more about the child so we know where their interest is. Accordingly, we can encourage them towards special training.”
Steering away from family pressure and the constant remarks by their friends, these groups of parents believe in maintaining a balance between sports and academics.
Nandita Soman, a Thaneite whose 15-year-old daughter is a national-level gymnast said, “I believe this is the time a child is physically fit and should explore the world of sports if that is where the passion lies. My daughter was always interested in sports, since she was a kid. I think if parents support their children in whatever they do, they will be able to balance both- studies as well as their extra-curricular activity. Some parents would often ask me how I am letting my daughter play sports even during her class X exams, but I always told her to do her very best and be determined.”
Representative Image
