VIJAYAWADA : The month-long summer coaching camps in various sports and games conducted by the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) and the District Sports Authority (DSA) concluded on Thursday.

District Collector Navin Mittal and Mayor Mallika Begum, who attended the closing ceremony, exhorted children to cultivate the habit of playing sports and games for the overall development of their personality. The camps, an annual feature of the city's sports calendar, were a huge success as the number of participants increased considerably compared to last year.

Higher turnout

"In the entire district, as many as 1,427 youngsters honed their skills in their chosen pursuits at various centres. Last year, the turnout was only 1,112," said district sports development officer B. Sudhakar. The coaching camps this year also saw the introduction of two new games- sepak takraw and netball. "Special emphasis was placed on yoga, as it helps players improve their fitness and concentration," he said.

Popular option

The most sought after activity was, of course, swimming, with the three swimming pools of the VMC at Gurunanak Colony, Gandhinagar and Chittinagar thronging with about 600 swimmers who took the plunge to master the nuances of the sport. Mr. Sudhakar also said 393 youngsters visited the camp at the Indira Gandhi Municipal Corporation Stadium alone. As many as 12 coaches from the Sports Authority of India and the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh, along with a host of physical education teachers, were involved to ensure the success of the camp, Mr. Sudhakar explained.

The VMC, as a measure of encouragement, presented certificates to all the participants. In each activity, 10 best players were identified based on their instincts and natural flair. The DSA would meet their parents and request them to send their wards regularly for practice. "If they are properly groomed, they can bring laurels to the district, the State and the nation," Mr. Sudhakar opined.

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