‘Para’ training for teachers
THE teachers were not there to learn the usual things about physical education.
They turned up for the Para Athletics Technical and Coaching Techniques Course at the Raja Melewar Campus Teachers Training Institute (IPGKRM) in Seremban on March 10-12.
The aim of the course, organised by the Negri Sembilan Para Athletics Association (POPNS), was to equip teachers with the knowledge to identify, train and teach disabled athletes in runs, jumps and throws events.
The course was jointly organised by POPNS, IPGKRM and the Special Education Unit of the Negri Sembilan Education Department (JPNS).
Retired teachers were also invited to take part in the course conducted by instructors S. Anbarassuu and K. Yogasvaren.
Among the areas covered in the course were: warming up and cooling down, fundamentals of running, throwing and jumping, technical and rules of the events.
Siti Zaharah Abdul Khalid, the Secretary General of the Paralympic Council of Malaysia, handed out certificates to the 65 participants.
POPNS official Datuk Paul Arokiasami said: “It was encouraging to see a good turnout from all the districts in this pioneer course especially special education teachers.
“We hope these teachers will train the disabled pupils in their respective schools to take part in para athletics meets.”
Nesarajan Subarayan, a fourth year Physical and Health Education teacher trainee of IPGKRM, said: “I learned in detail the techniques of jumps and throws. When I graduate, I plan to identify disabled students who are studying in day schools.”