Students under 13 to be assessed for Sports: Education Ministry

The Education Ministry has instructed school and national Sports Development Officers to prepare Sports Assessment for students under 13 years.

Deputy Minister of Education, Mohan Lal Grero told Parliament recently that schools have been told not to compel students aged 5-13 into competitive sports.

“Schools have been requested to focus on body preparation by assessing the students’ abilities and observing their performances by Physical Training instructors or Sports teachers. Students’ weight and height should be also checked,” he said.

Mr Grero said, Sports competitions for younger students should be approved by a Sports Experts committee appointed by the Education Ministry Secretary.

He said, young students who have chosen Gymnastics, should be assessed continuously, and instead of intense training or exercises, they should be motivated by awarding colours to those who succeed. In Athletics, students under 13 years should be first introduced to 30 metres and 60 metres, and all those who compete should be awarded certificates. The Minister said that young students should be continuously assessed in Sports such as Swimming, Chess and Volleyball.

He said that students under 15 cannot enter 3,000 metres, 5,000 metres, cross-country races, mini-marathons and cycle races without a medical test before participating. Minister Grero said the Education Ministry, along with the Health and Sports Ministries, have commenced a programme to conduct fitness tests on school sportsmen and women, and issue fitness certificates. He said that, at present, arrangements are being made to obtain the certificate islandwide.