Unit of Bala Mandir Kamaraj Trust
Sports Day
Physical Education is an essential element of MNC’s Early Intervention programs, significantly enhancing the development of motor and social skills among children with intellectual and multiple disabilities. The Early Intervention years are often referred to as the ‘Golden Age’ of motor development, during which important skills such as running, jumping, throwing, and catching are cultivated. To celebrate these milestones, MNC organizes an Annual Sports Day every February.
The Annual Sports Day is a highly anticipated event that fosters a spirit of camaraderie and healthy competition among students. Preparations for the event begin weeks in advance, with teachers ensuring full participation from all students, thereby creating an inclusive environment where everyone can contribute.
The event typically features a march-past, where students proudly represent their houses or teams. This is followed by a ceremonial lighting of the torch, signifying the start of the day’s activities. A variety of races and sports events take place throughout the day. In addition to competitive events, students often perform demonstrations such as yoga and displays based on a yearly theme. The events culminate with awards for winners and participants alike, ensuring that every child feels recognized for their efforts. The day concludes with the national anthem and distribution of refreshments.
Highlights from the 2024 Sports Day
The 21st Annual Sports Day held in February 2024 featured esteemed chief guests Mr. Edgar Pang, Consul General, and Ms. Nicole Chen, Vice Consul of the Consulate of the Republic of Singapore in Chennai. The event also featured Mr. N Kumar, President, Bala Mandir Kamaraj Trust and Chairman, Corporate Board of Sanmar Group of Companies, as the guest of honor.
The festivities commenced with a march-past led by our Physical Education coordinator, featuring a flag bearer followed by teachers and their groups. Mothers also participated holding the hands of their children in age-wise groups. The sports meet was officially opened with the ceremonial lighting of the torch by the chief guest, followed by a yoga demonstration by the children. This daily yoga practice, conducted at the start of each school day at the centre, prepares them mentally, physically, and emotionally to receive other therapies such as movement, communication, or physiotherapy.
Following yoga, the children participated in a drill and a thematic display based on that year’s theme “SEA,” where they creatively depicted ocean waves and other related elements. The thematic display was succeeded by various sports events, including an inter-school 50m dash that included children from other special schools.