GANGTOK STADIUM OPENS FOR CHILDREN Kids shift from virtual games and hit ground

RAJEEV RAVIDAS, TT, 08 Oct 2018, Gangtok: Sports lovers of Gangtok came together on Sunday to launch a noble initiative aimed at luring away children from their computers and mobile phones and encourage them to take to outdoor activities.

Under the initiative called "Kids 2 Pitch", the gates of the iconic Paljor Stadium here will be open for kids below the age of 12 for two hours from 7am to 9am every Sunday. More than 200 children turned up on the inaugural day and engaged in various physical activities.

The campaign is the brainchild of some sports lovers of Gangtok and the Sikkim department of sports and youth affairs. "The main idea of the initiative is to provide a platform to children to indulge in sports and fitness. The long-term goal is to establish a strong sporting culture in the state," said S.D. Dhakal, the secretary of sports and youth affairs department.

In the two-hour session of physical activities, children will be divided into different age groups and allowed to engage in any discipline of their choice. They can jump up and down on the trampoline, climb up the ladder or generally run around with a football.

"We are providing all these training equipment. The aim is basically to en- Children play a game at Paljor Stadium in Gangtok on Sunday courage the kids to come out and hit the ground running," said Thupten Rapgyal, the deputy director (coaching) of the department.

To begin with, children in the 10-12 age-group will be provided with expert training in football, and subsequently, in other sports as well.

"The idea is not to force a kid to take up any particular sport. Generally, what happens is parents take their kids, say, to a badminton court, and whether the child enjoys the game or not, is forced to play. We don't want to do that. In the first place, let the kids come to the ground and engage in any physical activities. Let them start enjoying being on the ground," said Rapgyal.

Sumeet Thirani, a member of the organising team, said any child below 12 years of age could take part in the event every Sunday for free by simply registering his or her name. "The registration forms will be available in the office of the deputy director (coaching), sports and youth affairs department at Paljor Stadium," he said.

Sanjay Lama, aged 10, said he thoroughly enjoyed running around the artificial pitch. "I don't play games often, but I liked coming here. Yes, I will come next Sunday," he said.