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Our Correspondent
Kohima, July 28 (EMN): Principal Director of School Education, Shanavas C on Wednesday called upon all the physical education teachers in the state to lead by example so that students can follow.
He stated this during the launch of four-day virtual training for physical education teachers at the Directorate of School Education in Kohima.
Shanavas highlighted how actions of the instructors can impact students, while reminding them to be mindful of their acts both on and off the field as children tend to follow them. "Be practical to the children," he said.
The official emphasised on the roles and responsibilities of the trainers in the society through exercise-learning, adding that health, sports and medical have become equally essential.
Sharing about his schooling days in Kerela where sports competitions were conducted at school, district and state levels, he said that healthy competitions should begin right from the childhood.
He asserted that children should be nurtured basically through physical education teachers. However, he expressed regret that there are only about 270 physical education teachers in Nagaland.
Pointing out "lack of discipline" exhibited by Nagas despite their "talent" in games and sports, he expressed regret that Nagaland state was not able to produce even a single Olympian this year.
He observed that sportspersons in the state resort to "comfort zone" and indulge in unhealthy activities once they are off the playground.
Shanavas lamented that sportspersons and sports enthusiasts hardly venture out of the state to experience how sports events are conducted at national and international levels.
He called for collective effort from all the citizens and not only depend on government for uplift of players in the state.
The official reminded the educators to rededicate themselves during this time when Olympic Games are being held, saying that changes in rules and regulations of different disciplines are updated during such mega competition.
He also reminded the instructors not to take their responsibilities "lightly" as they are equally important as other subject teachers.
'A healthy body leads to a healthy mind,' Shanavas said, while reminding physical education teachers to be responsible towards the wellbeing of the children. He also expressed hope that the four-day virtual orientation programme would benefit both the trainers and students.
Vitsolie Keyho, JEO of School Education department, informed that materials like whistle, measuring tape and stopwatch would be dispatched to all the physical education teachers who are in the field.
It was informed that various resources persons would speak on different topics related to disciplines like football, track and field, yoga, badminton and sepak takraw during the 4-day event which will conclude on July 31.
It was also learnt that participants will be briefed on first aid and how to stay fit during the pandemic.