CANACONA, APRIL 22
Problems have surfaced at the 11th summer coaching camp after it was inaugurated by Dr Susana de Souza, Director of Sports and Youth Affairs, at Canacona on Sunday.
Some parents have complained that the volleyball coach was not available and pointed out that there was insufficient supply of drinking water.
In all, 150 U-15 boys and girls are attending the camp from all over the State at Government Higher Secondary complex, Mastimoll here.
Coaching is being provided in kabaddi, kho-kho and football. However, there is no coaching in volleyball as the coach did not report for the camp in which 18 boys and 18 girls have been selected. According to a source, the volleyball coach has been deputed for the census work.
One parent, Deepak Naik whose daughter has been enrolled for volleyball, stated, “The summer camp has no meaning, and my daughter, who left her other interests, including music, is wasting her time and talent here.” Naik also complained that the organisers did not make sufficient provision for supplying drinking water. He charged that children were made to drink water directly from the storage taps, which are meant for washing and cleaning. He also alleged that the in-charge of the camp replied arrogantly when children asked for drinking water.
However, some officials present at the camp site refuted that there was drinking water shortage as they said that mineral water was being supplied to the children. “May be there was a delay in getting mineral water cans,” an official said while another quipped, “What if children drink tap water once or twice as we drink the same water in our homes.”
Children have been accommodated at Government HSS and they have been provided with buses to take them to various playgrounds.
