THE BEGINNING OF THE SPORTS REVOLUTION

When the journey had begun - there were many misgivings, there were many visions of failure; but now that more than TWO THOUSAND [more being added every day] children are actively playing BASKETBALL there is a clear focus ahead. Tournaments are the key to involvement - this was clearly seen on the last day of the camp; when children who had never learnt the game were seen wearing all types of coloured shirts and willing to play matches.

AND those who hadn't learnt the game were easily outclassed by those who knew the game. This then is the elixir we must use again and again. Conduct more and more tournaments, create `any type' of infrastructure - give them the knowledge of the basic skills and rules; the basketball revolution can begin in right earnest.

BUT CAN ONE MAHAJAN ALONE DO IT? CERTAINLY NOT. We need `players' in larger and larger numbers - volunteers - trainee coaches - sports loving people in power who can make a major difference - parents to encourage their children - school managements willing to invest in `joy' of children by putting up basketball infrastructure.

Roller skaters have taken over the Basketball court in Distt. Stadium, Tumkur. But then how many basketball players play on a regular basis. AND HOW MANY OF US RESPECT THIS MAN `MAHAJAN' WHO COMES FROM BANGALORE to create the basketball revolution. Working with adult basketball players who only wish to `play for themselves' have destroyed the game everywhere. Unless they contribute by encouraging other beginners the `sports revolution' cannot take place.

ALL PAST & PRESENT BASKETBALL PLAYERS - IF YOU TOO WANT TO PLAY TOURNAMENTS THEN PLEASE CONTACT US - BUT YOU MUST BE READY TO SERVE THE GAME THAT YOU LOVE.

Try these numbers 99808 30145 - 98860 20145.

ANJANEYA INSTALLATION IN SUMPOORNA

The deity that has waited for almost two years now - is to be finally installed in the next few days. Lord Anjaneya will inspire all the young children who come to play and learn Basketball.

BASKETBALL IN ST.MARY'S SCHOOL, TUMKUR

Just when I had thought that my camps are over for this financial year - the energetic PE teacher from St.Mary's Tumkur - came up with the idea of a 4 day camp in their campus. The timings 8am to 5pm. Children from IV to VI standards will learn basic skills and compete in a tournament at the end of the camp. Starting from 20th Jan [open invitation has been given to other young players for Sunday] the camp will last till 23rd Jan.

Having sent so many letters and made so many phone calls to various TPEOs of Distt. Tumkur, it is very disheartening to see that they are unable to arrange `basketball workshops' - it is expected to happen - still there is a heartbreak. So this camp makes me believe that I am on the right track. Seeing the Madhugiri basketball board dotted with stone marks - I shake my head, but maybe I am too responsible - trying to do too much.

The beginners in Bishop Sargent school are taking to basketball very enthusiastically and it is their enthuisasm that makes me go on and on and on ----.

SUMPOORNA '08 BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

Introduction : To create excellence in basketball among children and sustain their interest
in continuous learning of the game.

Eligibility : Children below 12/13/14 years belonging to schools of Distt. Tumkur only.

More details can be had by contacting 98860 20145 or 99808 30145.

BASKETBALL CAMP FOR BOYS IN SUMPOORNA

Twenty four boys [below 13years] set out to become better basketball players. There were 12 beginners [children who have never held a basketball in their hands] and I was wondering how will we get them integrated with others who knew basketball. But this was to last only on the first day. Except for two all of them quickly got into their strides.

But the real revealtion was to come on the evening of the second day - when I made teams for playing matches. THE PASSION GENERATED WAS BEYOND MY IMAGINATION! Suddenly, no more dribbling or shooting drills - it was SHOWTIME. Why do we all want to win - and in this quest - leapfrog into learning skills that sometimes take months to perfect. Third and fourth days were `hectic' schedules of matches and the endless search for getting right type of yellow, blue, red and green T shits - to match the team's colour.

The finals on the new year's morning was `no holds' battle for supermacy. Tears flowing down the cheeks of the `losers' - and a `larger than life' swaggering walk by the winners - both emotions were in abundance. A basket scored by `KAPPE' [Frog] got the loudest cheer.

As the majestic Garuda Betta and Siddarabetta looked on - a fierece urge began setting in. SUMPOORNA '08 must begin. One boy's father called up to say ` my son has returned from the camp as a `tough' one - thanks.