The Hindu : Sport : Fitness charts to be introduced in secondary schools

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Friday, Sep 22, 2006
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Sport - Sports : General

Fitness charts to be introduced in secondary schools

Principal Correspondent

HYDERABAD: The State Government has decided to introduce fitness charts for secondary schools (both Government and aided institutions) from this academic year, according to Prof. P. Chinnappa Reddy, Technical Advisor to the State Government (Sports).

Prof. Reddy said that the novel scheme, aimed at covering about 6,000 schools from the VIII standard onwards in the entire State, was primarily meant to inculcate sports culture among the children.

"To achieve our aims, we will be making the 12,000-strong Physical Education Teachers (PET) in Government schools accountable as they have to record the performances of the students thrice — at the beginning, in December and at the end of the academic year," he explained. He also said that henceforth, the students who pass the SSC examinations would also be given these fitness charts to make things easier for them to pursue sports in future.

"Shortly, we will also request the Education Department to give due weightage to outstanding and talented youngsters based on these fitness charts. These tests will also test the physical conditioning and basic skills in select disciplines which are popular in particular areas," Prof. Reddy said.

"In coordination with the Director of School Education, we want to send the message that these fitness charts are mandatory and essential and also make the PETs more responsible in spotting young talent and also identify the disciplines in which the students have potential," Prof. Reddy said.

"If the schools don't have any play ground, then it is the responsibility of the PETs to take the students to the nearest play ground since they don't require massive infrastructure for the programme. The commitment and sincerity to the job should come from within the PETs," he added.

Big-time sports excluded

Significantly, big-time sports like cricket and tennis are excluded, as the concept is to generate interest across the cross-section of student community in the State, Prof. Reddy said.

The other significant decision taken by the State Government includes giving away scholarships to 10 members who take up scientific research in physical education and sports sciences.

"Each one of them will be given a grant of Rs.50,000 with the objective of getting scientific feedback to produce performing athletes," Prof. Reddy said.

The Government has also decided in principle to set up sports clubs at mandal-level to function under the aegis of the Mandal Sports Authorities. The clubs will be headed by the Headmaster/ Principal with the PET as the Secretary and two teachers and all captains of sports and games as members. They are expected to be the link to the District Sports Authority from the grassroots level.

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