The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Water-way to welcome 2009

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Saturday, Jan 03, 2009
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Water-way to welcome 2009

Staff Reporter

— PHOTO: R. M. RAJARATHINAM

Gaming business: Territorial Army soldiers using improvised rafts to sail in the water harvesting structure in Tiruchi on Thursday.

TIRUCHI: The atmosphere in the sprawling Garuda Environmental Park and Training Area (GEPTA) belonging to the 117 Infantry Battalion Territorial Army The Guards was filled with excitement and fun on the New Year day.

The watermanship training organised by the Territorial Army (TA) authorities for its soldiers and recruits in the huge water harvesting structures created inside the GEPTA against the backdrop of their family members enjoying the various events proved a perfect setting to kick-start 2009.

Organised amidst the lush green surroundings, the four-hour long programme in the water-filled structures featured events such as swimming, improvised raft racing, water polo and one to test the underwater skills of the TA soldiers.

The participating TA soldiers and recruits were split into three platoons for the watermanship training which is conducted twice a year by the TA authorities with a view to test the skills of the ‘jawans’ who lend support to the civil administration during flood relief operations.

Bamboo planks and water containers were joined together to make improvised rafts for the raft racing contest with the soldiers using shovels instead of oars to sail in the water harvesting structure amid cheers from onlookers.

Free style swimming was an equally challenging exercise for the ‘jawans’ who had to make two full rounds in the water body with a dept of 10 feet. The watermanship training was a combination of business and pleasure as the families of the soldiers and officers were invited for the events, said Colonel C.P. Medappa, Commanding Officer, 117 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) The Guards.

Such training also provides an opportunity for the soldiers to make improvisations in the rafts which would help them especially during times of flood relief operations, he added.

The authorities had fishing event for the family members of the officers and men to make it enjoyable. The programme came to an end with a ‘Bada Khana.’

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