Students in Wangdue Phodrang took part in a day of fun and fitness yesterday as the district observed World Kids Athletics Day. More than 150 students aged between 8 and 14 participated in the day-long celebration. The event is observed annually to inspire children to move, play and lead healthier lives through athletics.
14 students from each of the eleven schools in the districts were given the opportunity to participate and learn the fundamentals of athletics.
Students experienced and learned various athletics activities, many of which were new to them.
According to an official from the Bhutan Amateur Athletics Federation, World Athletics aims to engage two million children in athletics by this year and has certain recognition awards.
He said the federation will continue organising athletics events in schools across the country throughout this month to encourage greater participation among children from this event.
The official added that although the country may not rank among the top in participation, efforts will continue to increase participation as much as possible.
Sangay Phuntsho, focal person of Kids Athletics Programme, Bhutan Amateur Athletic Federation said, “As the athletic is the mother of all sports, we are focusing on the kids athletics as a fundamental movement. It is like an extreme basic foundation for our children. When they have this foundation, they will be able to take part in any sports easily.”
According to WHO, in children and adolescents, physical activity promotes bone health, encourages healthy growth and development of muscle, and improves motor and cognitive development.
Bajothang Higher Secondary School’s Principal Shankar Dahal said,“If children are obese, they will not be able to concentrate in their studies. So, that way, there is going to be direct effect on their academics. They will not be able to stay, they will not able to complete their works because they are already feeling fatigue. So, unless we make our children physically fit, achieving academic result is going to be another issue later on. So, this is going to be a serious problem in the future.”
Athletics are considered as the foundation of all sports as the activities such as running, jumping, and throwing help children develop basic movement skills, which are useful in many other games and sports.
Changa Dorji
