City Police Commissioner V. Balakrishnan handing over recreational and sports materials to the police boys and girls club at Rathinapuri. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Police clubs in Rathinapuri, Coimbatore, get new facilities to engage students

by · The Hindu

The Coimbatore City Police have enhanced facilities at the police boys and girls clubs in Rathinapuri, aiming to provide students from low-income families with productive activities and sports opportunities.

On Wednesday, Coimbatore City Police Commissioner V. Balakrishnan and Deputy Commissioner (North) R. Stalin handed over sports kits, board games, books, and other materials to the clubs, sponsored by donors.

The Rathinapuri police jurisdiction houses three such clubs in Gandhi Nagar, Sastri Nagar, and Kannappa Nagar. According to the police, these clubs offer children from underprivileged backgrounds a space for leisure, learning, and personal development, addressing the lack of quality recreational facilities in their neighbourhoods.

Kattoor range Assistant Commissioner T.H. Ganesh and Rathinapuri inspector Ibrahim Badusha coordinated efforts to secure additional resources for the clubs to attract more participants.

“Through sponsorships, we’ve provided footballs, volleyballs, nets, badminton racquets, chess boards, carrom boards, books, and more. Each club has a local caretaker to manage the facilities and monitor student participation,” said Mr. Badusha.

The clubs operate from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on weekends and 5:40 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on weekdays. Many students also use the clubs as a study space, as they lack a conducive environment at home. The initiative aims to reduce screen time among students and engage them in meaningful activities.

“Minors in the city are sometimes found involved in offences, often unaware of their seriousness, influenced by offenders or peer pressure. These clubs are designed to steer students away from such circumstances and shape them into better individuals,” Mr. Badusha added.

Published - November 28, 2024 11:30 pm IST