Child labor in India

Mini Olympics -2009

Bal Ashram Children recently went through an exercise to create the local version of the Olympics, the international and largest sports event -Mini Olympics in Bal Ashram as a part of the annual day celebrations.

65 children along with Bal Ashram staffs participated in the various sporting events. Bal Ashram children were alienated into four groups namely Red, White, Green & Orange and they themselves selected the captain and a vice-captain of their team. All the four houses participated in all the events.

Events

The events were started with the marching of the four various groups. There were 18 events organized for children at Bal Ashram. Some of the events as follow;

There were 18 events organized for children at Bal Ashram. Some of the events as follows: Marching, Sack Race, Tug of war, banana eating context, 50m sprint race, long jump, endurance Race, Cricket throw, Relay, Musical Chair and so on. Children participated with enthusiasm and energy. There was a new competitive spirit observed in them and all the children wanted their group to win.

Some of the children came with outstanding performances and shown their talents in endurance race, sprint, long jump etc. namely Bajrang in endurance race and 50m race, Puran, Billu, Samsur, Kinsu, Ajai.

Through this event children could experience the beauty of unity and team spirit. The division of children in to four groups generated we feeling in the group as well as the good understanding and effort among group members. This event also leads the children to have better understanding about the various sporting events and its rules and regulations.

The objectives of the events
•   To build up the competitive spirit and enthusiasm among children
•   Endow with an opportunities to each child and participation of all children in each event
•   To have better idea and understanding about various Olympic events
•   To provide the opportunity to team work and cohesiveness and effort among groups
•   To build up self confidence and courage among children and to know their talents.
•   To provide child friendly atmosphere among children
•   To increase the spirit of participation and homely environment.

The Ashram staff also participated in various events along with the children and which gave the children some sort of inspiration to participate in all events. Overall the entire event was very successful. The children showed their interests and enthusiasm and were very active and dynamic in all the events. At the end of the events the prizes were distributed on the basis of individual as well as group performances.

Future Activities

Annual Cultural Fest for all children, which would be organized in the month of June 2009.

Pictures:

• Oath taking of different Houses (JPG)
• Tug of War (JPG)
• 100 meter sprint (JPG)