Coaching Primary School Students in Physical Education
“Smile to Your Future with Sports Project” Introduces Thousands of Students to Sports
As part of the “Smile to Your Future with Sports Project,” a collaboration between the District Youth and Sports Directorate and Ortahisar National Education Directorate, 2,943 students from 10 pilot schools are visiting sports facilities during school hours to learn various sports branches.
On weekdays between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm, students are transported from their schools to the sports complex, where they receive training in 12 different branches, including swimming, taekwondo, boxing, and shooting.
Ecvet Kurt, the Youth and Sports Director of Ortahisar, emphasized the project’s goal of introducing students to a variety of sports. He noted the strong cooperation between the Ortahisar District Governorship and District Directorate of National Education, leading to the participation of 2,943 students from 10 schools in the project on a five-day per week basis.
Kurt highlighted that the project not only teaches children exercises and games but also the infrastructure and basic techniques of each sports branch. The program rotates students through different branches every two months, allowing them to gain exposure to a wide range of athletic activities.
The success of the project is evident in the large number of children benefitting from the sports facilities. Kurt revealed that the coaches accommodate between 750 to 1,000 children at a time, introducing them to sports branches such as judo, karate, wrestling, table tennis, and more. He also expressed the desire to expand the project further in the future due to high demand.
Cemil Karakaş, the National Education Director of Ortahisar, reiterated the importance of such activities in contributing to the physical and spiritual development of children. He emphasized the Ministry of National Education’s support for activities promoting physical movement, particularly at the primary school level.
According to Karakaş, expert coaches lead the activities, providing children with a valuable experience away from digital addiction. Both parents and students have expressed their satisfaction with the project, with one parent, Selda Akat, sharing that it has helped evaluate her child’s talents. Student Kerem Asaf Kapucu expressed his love for tennis and his ambition to become a talented athlete in the future.
The “Smile to Your Future with Sports Project” has clearly had a positive impact on the students involved, providing them with opportunities to explore various sports and potentially discover their hidden talents. The project’s success is a testament to the value of introducing children to physical activity and the benefits it brings to their overall development.
