SCORES of children and volunteers across the country are benefitting from a number of youth camps hosted annually at this time of year by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, in the areas of cycling, volleyball, basketball and football among other outdoor activities. The annual cycling camp, which commenced on July 12, is in full swing at the National Park, Thomas Lands and has seen as many as 28 participants on roll this year.
The eight-week programme aims to teach the children the art of cycling, and during this period, competitions will be held at intervals, as a means of assessing their performance.
The programme consists of various categories, including senior, junior and juveniles, and according to national cycling coach, Mr. Hassan Mohamed, who is currently conducting the training, the children are being taught such rudimentary things as how to sit on the bike, how to peddle and control its motion, and how to develop stamina.
Mohamed noted that after the third week of training, a specialised programme will be held where they will learn the art of sprinting and peddling.
The training is free and takes place from Monday to Friday.
Mohammed encouraged persons to come out and participate in the training, as it is a means of exercise to keep fit, as well as keep them meaningfully occupied.
The aspiring cyclists were excited and grateful for the training and stated that it helps to keep them focused. It is also an opportunity for them to interact with others and exchange ideas.
Since 1998, the Youth Ministry, in its effort to engage youths in constructive activities during the August vacation, has been hosting annual camps countrywide featuring such activities as art and craft, tours to historical sites, health and environmental education, and music and dance.
Over the years, more than 13, 000 youths have been trained in a variety of skills during the August vacation. (GINA)