Climb a wall this summer
With schools closed, children now have endless hours at their disposal. This opens up exciting opportunities for them to learn something new and try their hand at a fun activity. Here are a few interesting activities that they can choose from
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Tholkalai Silambam presents a summer course that will teach participants the basics of the traditional martial art form of silambattam. “Once children understand what silambam is all about, they can choose to train in it further,” says M Tholkappian, the founder of the institution that has been functional since 2014 with three branches across the city.
Tholkappian says that silambattam can aid a child’s growth in several ways. “It can be used as a tool for tness and as a sport to express one’s talent at stage shows,” he says, adding that the martial art facilitates problem-solving. “For instance, a person engaged in a combat has to think up his next move from a minimum of 50 other angles.” The institution oers courses for free for children from less-privileged backgrounds.
Silambam summer camps, open for children aged ve and above, are on at VOC Nagar Road, Edayarpalayam and Kongunadu Arts & Science College. Fresh batches start from April 22. For details, call 9626668856.
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Climb Oon Sport Climbing Centre is all set to introduce children to sport climbing, a variant of rock climbing. “The sport has four disciplines such as speed, lead, and bouldering,” explains Lokesh Mahalingam, a coach at the facility. Speed is about how fast a climber ascends a 50 ft tall wall. “Children in the age group of 13 to 15 years will climb a 35 ft wall,” he points out. “In lead climbing, climbers will click their safety ropes themselves.”
Sport climbing, Lokesh says, oers several bene ts. “A climb is like solving a puzzle, during which they calculate how best to make their next move,” he says, adding that the sport also helps improve hand-eye coordination.
“But more than anything, it builds perseverance. Climbers, when they fall, will keep trying to get back up the wall no matter what,” says Lokesh.
Batches start from April 22 onwards, 4pm to 5.30pm. On at Climb Oon Sport Climbing Centre, Keeranatham. For details, call 9585982431.