IMH residents turn to sports

An enthusiastic group participates in selection trials 

CHENNAI: Under the shade of the trees, a group of men starts to train in shot-put. The candidates eagerly wait for their turn as their instructor shows them how to hold the ball and make a throw. A stone marked their target distance of around six-metre for training purposes but one throw landed at a distance of 7.5 metres, drawing applause from those gathered around. Enthused with the response, the thrower waved his hand and took his spot in the line all set for another throw. 

This small yet enthusiastic group of residents of the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) started to train in sports at the ground on the institute’s premises on Saturday morning. The objective was to pave the way for them to get trained and go on to take part in sports events, to start with a selection for an upcoming para-athletics championship. 

P. Poorna Chandrika, director of IMH, said they were identifying residents who had intellectual disabilities with co-morbid behavioural abnormalities/psychotic symptoms and have improved with treatment.