Sports Coaching & Adventures in India - Himalayas

  India

Rural Areas

Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: 2007: 10/15

Description: Nestled in the valleys of the Himalayas, the State of Himachal Pradesh is known for its beautiful nature and pleasant climate during the harsh Indian summer. Volunteers can not only enjoy beautiful snow capped mountains outside their windows, but also take up adventure activities like trekking/rafting or cultural trips to places like Dharamsala, home to the Dalai Lama and center for Tibetan culture.

Active in India starts off with an adventurous expedition for the volunteers in cultural Rajasthan to get this program started off right. This program focuses on sports. The expedition is followed by an orientation and 4-6 weeks of fun sports teaching in Indian schools topped with weekend excursions.

Though sport in India is tremendously popular, it does not take a high priority in schools. Sports activities and facilities are not supported adequately, therefore many kids lack a regular and fun exercise program that can stimulate their motor function and their ability to experience team work. More than anything else they lack teachers who can participate in sports with them and function as role models and be their coach.

First the volunteers meet and participate in experiencing the real Indian culture from the major sites of Delhi to the bustling markets of Jaipur (including an Elephant ride) to the spiritual ambiance of the holy lake town of Pushkar. The culmination is a Camel ride in the desert near Pushkar.

From September to December, you will trek to Deoriatal Lake and Chandrashilla with camping both days. You will do rafting with camping on a river beach. From December to mid-March, participate in a wildlife safari in the Corbett Tiger Reserve and conclude with rafting and camping. From mid-Mark to the end of May we repeat the activities from September to December. This adventurous week serves as team building.

The Orientation includes an introduction to cultural aspects of Indian society as well as a specific preparation and planning of the weeks' sports teaching.

The main effort of the volunteers at the work placement is to create sports facilities and initiate sports activities for the schools' students. The sports activities can be carried out during sports periods and at volunteer initiated sports clubs in the evening. The objective of the sports activities is to introduce different sports to the students and teach them various skills and exercises whereby stimulating motor function and encourage team work. The most popular sports are volleyball, basketball, football and cricket, but other sports and games are welcome. A part of the work will also be to develop sports facilities as these are generally poor or in a bad condition. Depending on the school's facilities the develop[mental side of the work can be anything from setting up a volleyball court, prepared the football pitch, build football goals and improve sports equipment.

Highlights: This program has been launched to encourage and support sports activities in schools while giving volunteers a unique opportunity to get a close cultural interaction with the students through their sports coaching. Volunteers take part in schools sports periods, set up sports clubs, introduce various sports and games, practice skills and exercises, teach the logic and rules of games, and enhance motor skills.

Cost in US$: 2485 for 6 weeks. Please visit our website for additional information.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: There is not a typical volunteer at GeoVisions. Volunteers are college students, retired people, professionals who want to give back in volunteering for a short period of time. Volunteers are interested in conservation, children, poverty, teaching, computers, sports and so much more.

Age Range: 18+

This Program is open to World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to India Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

GeoVisions's Mission Statement: GeoVisions is committed to help individuals develop global skills to succeed in the twenty-first century. These skills will ultimately lead to greater cooperation and understanding among nations and peoples of the world. We are committed to treating every person on a GeoVisions program with respect, and devoting our energies to helping participants meet their individual and collective goals.

Year Founded: 2001