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| Bensan Valsakam, Chadayan Vilakam House, Parasuvakkal, Thiruvananthapuram |
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12 years after retirement, physical education teacher Bensan Valsakam continues to train school children. The only difference from his earlier days is that now the training isn’t in the school ground and he doesn’t get any remuneration for the labour of love.
After retirement from Government High School, Vattiyoorkavu, Thiruvananthapuram, he was for 7 years coach under the ‘Operation Olympia’ scheme jointly organized by the Panchayat and Sports Council. Later he returned to his native land of Parasuvakkal, but couldn’t think of an idling retired life.
While on his morning and evening stroll, he used to give tips to boys playing football and cricket by the wayside. Later he would direct them to come to the Pandarakkonam Channel Ground for proper athletic training.
Thus what started with 2 or 3 boys has now become a 50-student training centre. Both boys and girls participate in the drill, which is conducted from 6.30 to 8 am on all days except Sundays. Most of the students are from primary and upper primary classes.
If proper training and encouragement can be given, many sports stars could be groomed in the villages, he says confidently. He must know, for two of his wards have already set national records in triple jump and 1500m race.
A view from the training ground
Courtesy: S.S.Lalith, Malayala Manorama, February 8, 2003
Contributed by: Administrator
