Shree
Samarth Vyayam Mandir, a pioneeer Physical Education Institution located in Shivaji
Park, in the heart of Mumbai, is working relentlessely in this field for the last
73 years.
About 1200 children engage
themselves every evening on the grounds of its Sheth Magaldas Verma Kreeda Bhavan
admeasuring an area of about 1000 sq.mtrs.
The institution concentrates on indigenious
games as well as contemparary sports disciplnes like Mallakhamb, Kho-Kho, Kabaddi,
Yoga, Gymnastics, Wrestling, Body Building, Weight lifting, Atheletics, Basketbal,
Volley Ball, Judo, Karate and exercises like Lezim,Dand-Baithak, Lathi, Lakdi
etc.
The unique feature of this
entire training setup is that most of the teachers render their services in an
absolutely honarary capacity.The coaches, basically the past students of the Institution,
are engaged in producing not only the champions but also the future teachers who
will in turn carry on the tradition and keep the motto "for the cause of
sports" alive.
The training
fees are absolutely nominal i.e Rs 5/- per month.The institution is open to all,
irrespective of any caste,creed or religion and without any age or sex bar.
The
institution has so far produced more than 1000 National champions in different
sport disciplines and about 20 of them have been conferred 'Shree Shiv Chhatrapati
State Sports Award' by the Govt.of Maharashtra. Over 30 students of the institution
have represented the country in different International sports event.
The
institute conducts two Yoga Centres for adult men and women,runs a Govt.recognised
D.Ed.course as well as a part time unaided Certificate Course in Physical Education-D.P.E.
A library on sports and allied publications is also a salient feature of this
institute.
The Institution conducts
6 coaching camps throughout the year in various sport disciplines. The summer
coaching camp, in its 24th consecutive year,is not only unique in its concept
but also in its conduct. It is known as the oldest and largest camp in India.
Over 2000 participants in varied age
group of 5 to 45 yrs ,participate in the 10 days camp which runs in two sessions-morning
and evening,2 hrs each. Over 200 coaches in different age groups work voluntarily
and impart basically free hand exercise training without apparatus so that participants
can continue the same at their residence even after the camp.
Nutritious
diet is also offered to all the participants in morning as well as evening sessions.
The basic raw abilities such as speed, strength and flexibility as well as psychological
abilities such as concentration, perseverance, courage etc are assessed during
the camp. Agewise norms,seperate for
men and women, pertaining to these abilities have been developed over years of
research and experiments. The participants are evaluated according to their individual
merits and those qualifying the minimal requirements get priority in admission
for the year round training.
During
Diwali camp, greeting card competitions are conducted whereas in other camps best
handwriting, elocution ,debate, mono acting and singing competitions are also
conducted through which the aim is to develop an individual in totality.