KOCHI: The combined efforts of instructors and teachers made it possible for Nirmala Sadan Special School, Muvattapuzha, to claim Ernakulam District Special Olympics Meet champions title for 19th year in a row. Nirmala Sadan reclaimed the title on Saturday. The dedicated faculty members of the school for the mentally challenged focus on telling children the need to rise above their disabilities and to shine in their own possible way. In 2011, two of Nirmala Sadan students, Aneesh (22) and Binston (18), represented India in the Special School Olympics held in Athens. This year, Aneesh and Binston, are preparing for the State-level Special School games to be held in Ernakulam on February 10 and 11. “These children may lag behind other normal children of their age but they do have certain skills and sports are the best way to develop it. Encouraging these students to participate in such meets gives them a mental boost,” said Sr Jancy of Nirmala Sadan. In order to develop their potential, these children are encouraged to play on the ground opposite to the school, by teachers. “We take them to the field almost every day and assist them to run, walk and participate in games such as basketball, volleyball etc. It may take many hours of extra work to teach these children a certain move which sometimes may even be as simple as holding a ball without dropping it. Just the awareness that it will help children in a longer run keeps us pushing them to do it,” she said.The school has a physical education teacher to train the children for competing at the different meets staged at various times of the year. “Some of these children have participated in various games throughout the country. And most of them have won awards. It is generally very beneficial for them,” Sr Jancy added.
Comments
0 comment