Sports has an ability to unite individuals and foster a sense of belonging. It provides individuals with a platform for personal growth that positively impacts their lives on and off the field.
Sports promotes fitness and encourages community engagement. Keeping this in mind, Wishtown Sanskriti Samiti (WTSS) had started sports competitions in 2022 for the residents. The second edition of WTSS GAMES was held on weekends during the period 13th April to 28th April 2024.
The competition provided a platform for residents to come together, connect, and build relationships centred on a common interest. It was coordinated by a team of resident volunteers led by Suresh Sharma, Manikesh Tiwari and Shilpa Julka.
Google Forms was used for participants’ registration for competing in 11 sports disciplines viz Badminton, Basketball, Carrom, Chess, Cricket, Lawn Tennis, Pool Table, Races, Squash, Swimming & Table Tennis.
Competition was held in five age groups (viz up to 12 years, 13 to 18 years, 19 to 45 years, 46 to 60 years and 61 years & above). The age group 19 to 45 years had the maximum participation of 31%.
Three landmarks were achieved in the second edition: Introduction of Swimming competition; Sponsorship by Billabong High International School & Kangaroo Kids International Pre-school Noida; and 140+ registrations for competing in one or more sports.
322 games were competed. Maximum entries were for Table Tennis singles (36%) followed by Badminton singles (29%) and Chess (20%). It was heartening to see 25% participants in the age group up to 12 years.
Many parents, being important role models, were also competing in several sports. The prize ceremony was held on Saturday, 11 May, where WTSS Board Members and Billabong High School representatives felicitated the winners and runners-up.
Children and teens had a safe and fun sports experience. They learnt and put into practice values like sportsmanship that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. Sportsmanship may seem hard to define, but its hallmarks include being able to win without gloating, respecting one’s opponents, and being able to lose gracefully.
The second edition of WTSS GAMES has set a benchmark for the future editions!
