Elders of Lower Dir take part in traditional games

F.P. Report

TIMERGARA: Jubilant elders above 60 took part in games of their choice during a three day colorful Spring Sports’ festival arranged by a non-governmental organization which was concluded at Sarai Payeen Talash here the other day.

The Sabawon, a local welfare organization had arranged the event that continued for three days. Hundreds of youth and elders participated in traditional games like ‘Sakhy’, Kabbudy, musical chair game, tug of war, Sac race, jumps and races. Different teams of elders above 60 years also participated in musical chair game that attracted a large crowd. A large crowd watched the game of ‘sakhy’ in which the players with one leg up compete with their rivals.

A prizes’ distribution function was held at the end during which schools’ children presented speeches, songs and naat. The PPP senior vice president for Lower Dir advocate Tahir Khan was chief guest on the occasion. The function was addressed by district councilor Malik Brakat Khan, educationist Dilawar Khan, Dr Naik Muhammad, President Sabawon Ameer Muhammad and others.

The speakers appreciated the organizers for arranging the event to welcome the spring season in the area. They said that young generation knew little about the local traditional games as majority of youth were interested in major games like cricket, hockey and football. They said that sports’ lovers should arrange such events in which people took part in traditional games.

Tahir Khan announced Rs 2 million for construction of office for the organization and Rs 500,000 cash for organizing committee of the event, district councilor Malik Brakat Khan announced Rs 500,000 for boundary wall of government middle school Sarai Payeen. Also on Tuesday the vice chancellor, University of Malakand Prof Dr Gul Zaman inaugurated a sports’ gala at the varsity main campus Chakdara. The directorate of sports, UoM has arranged the event during which sports like cricket, hockey, football, volleyball, basketball, badminton, table tennis and tug of war would be played.