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ShareBangalore: They may have low immunity levels, but their enthusiasm in sports is unmatched. Snehadaan, a home for HIV-positive children in Sarjapur, was bubbling with activity on Sunday.
The gloomy atmosphere was turned into one of giggles and screams, thanks to the Bangalore School Sports Foundation. The nearly 60 children at the home were pooled together to contest against each other in various games: volleyball, cricket, basketball and handballjust to name a few sports that these children are being taught.
"While Snehadaan has a holistic approach in bringing HIV-positive children to the mainstream, sports was never a part of their curriculum. And this is where we stepped in. Sports and regular exercises help boost their immunity level. Also, sports can help them strike a mental and physical balance," said Loynel HJ, managing trustee of the Bangalore School Sports Foundation.
"Through games, we will also focus on their team-building ability, coordination skills etc," said Elvis Joseph, another managing trustee.
The sports classes are conducted thrice a week for 45 minutes, during which children are taught warm up and stretching exercises, and any one game. "Older children are taught strength building programmes too," Loynel added.
The sports modules have been divided into three parts -- summer, monsoon and winter. While the summer module concentrates on teaching them the right ways to exercise, the monsoon module focuses on indoor activities. Winter is a mixture of both.
"There has been a remarkable change in the attitude of children after taking up sports. The otherwise shy children started opening up just after a few sessions of sports. They are now full of life," said Loynel.
The younger children are still unaware of their illness, but they will learn about the disease eventually. However, involving them in sports activities will help them overcome depression. "Once they reach adolescence, children begin to develop problems with their sexual life. Thus, they require a strong foundation, with good values. We have designed a value-based education for them, and sports is now a part of it. Also sports helps discipline them and, induces confidence and self esteem," said Fr Mathew, director, Snehadaan.
The organisation is planning to take this up at the national-level. "Studies have proved that HIV-positive children can lead a healthy life till 40 to 45 years of age. We are trying to incorporate sports in their daily routine to help them lead a healthier life," said Joseph.
However, the organisation would require sports equipment and sufficient funds for this project. "We are having a Champions Meet on December 12 for the cause. December 1 will be a curtain raiser to the event," said Mahua Kumar, director, sports management, Bangalore School Sports Foundation.
(Tomorrow is World AIDS Day)
