Physical education should start at an early age with a structured programme at school and should be viewed as an integral part of the education process. It is our responsibility to inculcate values in our students and give them the right training.

Physical education is becoming an increasingly dynamic force in education and it is not just about practising sports during free time; it plays an important role in the educational process and contributes to academic achievement, ‘mens sana in copore sano’ ( a sound mind in a sound body ) - if your body is fit, then your mind will be too. You do not need to be good at sports to enjoy them. According to the Olympic ideal, it is taking part, not winning, which is important.

Physical activity helps develop a ‘sporting attitude’ based on the true values of Olympism: the joy found in healthy physical effort, respect for others, abiding by the rules in a spirit of fair play, learning to lose with pride and win with dignity, friendship through team sports, character development (courage , self confidence) - these values provide children with a basis for successful behaviour and standards of conduct in life and guidance.

The child will also be encouraged to have an ongoing physical activity to keep fit and have a healthier lifestyle. Especially nowadays, physical education contributes to a knowledge of exercise, health and diseases. It is often through physical training that new talents are identified; people began by practising sports in school, which led to training at a higher level. Today they are role models for the younger generation. If the art of exercising is inculcated in children at a very early age, it pays dividends in the long run. They will lead a healthier life and be more disciplined. Their minds will be more alert and perform better.

It is difficult to imagine in this new technological age that a child would prefer doing exercises than being busy with his personal computer. Parents and teachers should encourage children to practise sports. If it’s not just theory and we succeed in doing this, we would surely have a new healthy generation .

<B>Avinash Ramcharan</B>