Jaipur, February 06, 2024 – In a transformative move for sports development, the Education Department of the Rajasthan Government, in collaboration with STAIRS Foundation, a National Sports Promotion Organization (NSPO) supported by ITC, has launched “Bounce of Joy,” an innovative education through sports program. This strategic partnership underscores a collective commitment to fostering holistic development through sports. This state-wide initiative aims to revolutionize education by integrating sports into the curriculum, fostering holistic development among students.
In the pilot phase, 100 schools across Rajasthan have been carefully selected through need-gap analysis to participate in the program. A total of 132 physical education teachers have been hand-picked by the state government to implement this ground-breaking initiative. These educators, chosen for their expertise and passion, will serve as the driving force behind ‘Bounce of Joy.’ This strategic approach underscores the commitment to addressing the unique requirements of each participating institution.
Inaugurating the program, Shri Navin Jain, Secretary of the Rajasthan Education Board, stated, “By empowering educators and equipping our youth through the ‘Bounce of Joy’ program, we’re building a generation of champions, both on and off the field, and contributing to a healthier, more vibrant Rajasthan. By integrating sports into education, we are not only fostering physical well-being but also instilling discipline, teamwork, and resilience. This aligns perfectly with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of India as a strong sporting nation. I am happy that 100 schools and 132 hand-picked Physical Education teachers across Rajasthan are going to be a part of the ‘Bounce of Joy’ program. I firmly believe that dedicated coaches and trained Physical Education teachers are essential to ensure that aspiring athletes and sports enthusiasts are supported and nurtured and therefore looking at a great success of the ‘Bounce of Joy’ program in the state and the country.”
Echoing the vision of fostering sporting excellence in Rajasthan, Mr. Ali Harris Shere, COO of Biscuits & Cakes Cluster at ITC Ltd, stated, “ITC takes immense pride in partnering with the Rajasthan Education Department and Stairs Foundation to launch this transformative initiative in the state. By harnessing the power of sports, ‘Bounce of Joy’ goes beyond building athletic prowess; it empowers young minds, cultivates teamwork, and instills a lifelong passion for health and well-being. We are excited that over 100 training sessions will be conducted by expert coaches in Rajasthan as part of the ‘Bounce of Joy’ program. This program aligns perfectly with ITC’s commitment to youth development and community engagement, and we are confident that it will lay a strong foundation for a generation of future champions, both on and off the field.”
Shri Siddhartha Upadhyay, President of STAIRS Foundation, emphasized the program’s impact, “The ‘Bounce of Joy’ program embodies our belief in the transformative power of sports. By empowering Physical Education teachers, we aim to create a ripple effect, positively influencing countless young lives. Through this program, we dedicate ourselves to fostering personal growth and instilling values such as respect and sportsmanship. Committed to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a sporting superpower, our program seeks to contribute to our nation’s success in international sports events and secure more Olympic medals, tapping into India’s immense sporting talent and potential.”
In tandem with the school selection process, ‘Bounce of Joy’ places a strong emphasis on the identification of teachers. Physical education instructors are chosen not only for their professional expertise but also for their unwavering dedication to promoting sports in education. By handpicking educators with a passion for fostering holistic development, the program aims to create a cadre of instructors committed to bringing about positive change in students’ lives.
To fortify the capabilities of these selected teachers, a meticulously tailored training module has been crafted. This module, specifically designed for the distinctive needs of Rajasthan and the participating schools, equips educators with the necessary skills and knowledge to seamlessly integrate sports into the curriculum. It serves as a testament to the program’s commitment to providing a high-quality, targeted educational experience.
Additionally, ‘Bounce of Joy’ extends beyond the realm of sports education, addressing broader aspects of student well-being. Modules focusing on nutrition, health, hygiene, and life skills awareness have been integrated, promoting a well-rounded approach to student development. Moreover, a dedicated team of professional football coaches is set to conduct over 100 classes across the state, elevating the overall quality of sports education and fostering a culture of excellence that extends beyond the classroom.
The ‘Bounce of Joy’ initiative goes beyond the conventional to ensure a comprehensive sports education experience. This includes the meticulous distribution and assembly of training goalposts, providing a uniform and high-quality infrastructure across all participating schools. Moreover, the program enhances the sporting environment by distributing professional-grade footballs, elevating the standard of sports equipment accessible to students. In a holistic approach, ‘Bounce of Joy’ incorporates separate modules dedicated to nutrition awareness, health, hygiene, and life skills awareness. These modules contribute to the well-rounded development of students, fostering a culture of not just athletic excellence but also promoting a healthy and aware lifestyle.