Nestle', Education Ministry and AAA launch kids' athletic program

by Ranjan Anandappa

Nestle' Lanka PLC along with the Ministry Of Education and the Athletic Association Of Sri Lanka have joined hands for a worthy cause as they launched the 'IAAF Kids' athletic program to promote and create awareness of the importance of physical activity among primary school children in Sri Lanka.

In a recent survey conducted by the Ministry Of Education startling facts were revealed that only 15% of the four million students engage in regular sports activities. This indicates an urgent need for increased physical activity among school children as good nutrition practices and a physically active life style remains vital for the prevention of non- communicable diseases.

Akila Viraj Kariyawasam Minister Of Education who 'chaired' a press briefing in connectin with the regard to the launch at the Cinnamon Lakeside said that " The primary objective of education is to produce mentally sound and physically fit individuals to the society. To this effect , sports play a crucial role in a child's development during one's primary or secondary stages of education. Our partnership with Nestle Lanka therefore is an ambitious step taken by the Ministry of Education to provide the younger generation with more exposure in to the physical activity component ,ensuring that they become physically strong individuals in due course."

He further said that "as per government directive ,every student must engage in a sport. The 'IAAF Kids" programme could be the foundation primary students need before engaging in school sports . Primary school teachers who have been well trained by the official of the Ministry Of Education and the Athletic Association of Sri Lanka will be conducting this activities across 98 educational zones."

" In the recent past we had heard of some students committing suicide who are not mentally strong enough to face certain situations which crops up in day to day life. These situations have even cost their lives.

Nestle' is the global main sponsor of the International Association of Athletic Federation (IAAF) Kids Athletic programme. Nestle' Lanka stepped in as the principal sponsor to extend the same programme to Sri Lanka . Promoting the importance of physical activity among primary school children.

B.A. Abeyratne Director Sports Ministry of Education who also spoke at the occasion said that " 10% of the present day school going children are suffering from diabetes and some with heart decease or many with non-communicable diseases due lack of physical activity which has impaired their lovely childhood.

The main reasons for this situation is the rat race and the competitive approach towards examinations. Specially the 5th year scholarship exam ,the GCE (O/L) and the Advance Level Examinations. " he said.

Prema Pinnawala (Secrtary AAA), Major General Palitha Fernando (President AAA), Bandula Egodage (Assistant Vice President Corporate Affairs, Nestle's Lanka), M/S Shivani Hegde (Managing Director, Nestle), were also present.