Playing sports will boost mental health

Visakhapatnam: Over 530 differently-abled students participated in 21 sports and games at the district-level sports competitions held at Police Barracks in the city here on Wednesday.

The sports meet, was started after the 530 differently-abled students from various schools in the district which were run under Sarwasiksha Abhiyan and other NGO formed as six groups and followed through a parade in a discipline manner, has stolen the hearts of visitors and chief guest.

Addressing the students, Joint Collector II A Siri said that sports and games strengthens both body and mind simultaneously. Winning or achieving medals is not important in the sports and participation is important, she added.

The sports which are held here showed the competency levels among differently-abled students along with their self-confidence and abilities. The parade which was followed in a platoon has been highlight of the sports meet, in which students showed their disciplinary skills and managing skills along with their mutual coordination in the march fast.

The students who secured first place in various sports will represent the district at State-level competitions, she added. Assistant Director of differently-abled department Venkateswar Rao said that they had divided into two age groups 10-15 (Juniors) and 16-25(Seniors) and conducted sports like long jump, shot-put, javelin throw, discus throw, running races, chess, carom and other games.  A team of 25 physical directors, trainers and other NGO staff had strived to make the competition grand a success, he added.