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KOHIMA/ DIMAPUR — Kohima District Athletics Association (KDAA) and Dimapur District Athletics Association (DAA) under the aegis of Nagaland Athletes’ Association (NAA) observed the ‘World Kids Athletics Day’ in their respective districts by organising various events on Tuesday. The events were held at the Secretariat Junction in Kohima and at Pilgrim Higher Secondary School in Dimapur on the theme “World Mile Challenge.”
In Kohima the event was held at the Secretariat Junction by organising races in three categories, which was flagged off by the vice president of Nagaland Athletics Association (NAA) and administrator of Indira Gandhi Stadium (IGS), Dziesebeinuo Vizo. Races were organised for the age group from 4-7 years, 8-11 years and 12-14 years.
Speaking at the brief function, Vizo informed that the Kids Athletics Day is an event promoted by the international body for athletics all over the world and held under the aegis of World Athletics, Athletics Federation of India and Nagaland Athletics.
She stated that the platform was aimed at giving opportunity for children to celebrate the spirit of sports and discover their sporting talents. She added that athletics is all about walking, running, Jumping and throwing.
Vizo also opined that all those skills are fundamental and not just limited to sports disciplines but in life as well. She added sports liberate people and empower them to strive towards their aspirations especially girls and women.
Meanwhile, the technical advisor of Kohima District Athletics Association (KDAA), Neilazetuo Khezhie, acknowledged all the participants, schools and teachers in-charge for coming forward to celebrate the Kids Athletics Day and making the programme exciting and a grand success.
KDAA president, Thepfungunyü Solo, who also chaired the programme, informed that Kids Athletics Day is an annual event aimed at promoting fitness, sportsmanship and healthy lifestyle among children. He further shared that the ‘World Mile Challenge’ would not only test the physical abilities of the children but also foster a sense of camaraderie and achievement.
A total of 111 students comprising boys and girls from various schools in Kohima participated at the event. The winners in the respective categories were also awarded.
In Dimapur, a total of 22 girls and 32 boys from five schools participated in the programme held at Pilgrim Higher Secondary School. The programme was organised by the Dimapur Athletics Association (DAA).
On the occasion, DAA president, Bithungo Kikon, read the message of vice president of Athletics Federation of India (AFI), Abu Metha.
In his message, Metha stated that the event is being organised under the aegis of World Athletics, Athletics Federation of India and Nagaland Athletics Association with an objective to provide opportunity for children to celebrate the spirit of sports while getting the platform to discover their sporting talents. “Athletics is all about walking, running, jumping and throwing and all these skills are fundamental not just to all sports disciplines, but in life as well and that is why athletics is considered as the foundation of all sports,” Metha stated in his message.
In his message to the parents, Metha said “Sport liberates young people and empowers them to strive towards their aspirations especially girls and women. It gives them the chance to break free, soar high, achieve success and fame and most importantly bring joy, pride and happiness to our people and the nation.”
According to him that journey begins from Kids Athletics Day.
It may be mentioned here that the programme was conducted throughout the world under the banner of World Athletics. In Nagaland, four districts namely Dimapur, Peren, Mokokchung and Kohima observed the programme.