GVMC launches summer sports camps for 12,000 students

The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) on Sunday launched free Summer Sports Coaching Camps across the city, with as many as 12,036 children set to receive training in 41 sports disciplines under the guidance of 486 expert coaches.

The camps were inaugurated at the Swarna Bharathi Indoor Stadium by Government Whip and Visakhapatnam West MLA P.G.V.R. Naidu in the presence of GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg and other officials.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Naidu praised the GVMC for organising the camps on a large scale and urged students to make full use of the opportunity to improve their sporting abilities. He said sports play an important role in ensuring physical fitness and mental well-being alongside academics.

The MLA also appealed to parents to encourage children to participate in sports based on their interests instead of focusing solely on academics. He noted that the summer coaching camps could not be conducted during the past two years due to unavoidable reasons and appreciated the civic body for reviving them this year.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Garg said the camps were aimed at identifying and nurturing hidden sporting talent among students from a young age. He said the GVMC had been making extensive arrangements over the last 15 days for the smooth conduct of the programme.

The camps will commence on May 25 and continue till June 6 between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. daily, except on May 29 and May 31 due to government holidays.

The Commissioner said participating students would be provided with an egg, biscuits, a protein snack, and drinking water every day. Each participant would also receive a T-shirt and a participation certificate.

Sports equipment, sanitation facilities, and first-aid services have been arranged at all training centres. Officials were directed to ensure daily monitoring for the smooth conduct of the camps. A sportsmanship pledge was also administered to participants during the inaugural programme.