Way back in 1947, two residents of Mylapore redefined play-time. Starting a small club exclusively for children, they wanted to inculcate interest in sports among its members. The Children’s Club Society still remains true to its purpose.
Founded by Savitri Srinivasan and Pattu Balagopal, the first young members were from their family itself. Slowly, the neighbourhood children were invited to join. In 1954, the club was registered as a Society. “Back then, we only had a ground and few play equipment including concrete slides.
A TT table was placed under a thatched roof,” says G. Shanker, secretary of the Society. With funds coming in, a building was constructed on a sprawling 14,000 sq.ft. land.
Cricket was also taken up and a team was formed, but no formal coaches were available at that time. “It was only in the 80s that coaches were brought in to teach children,” he adds. Also, sport and art competitions were conducted for school children in music, drama, recitation and storytelling.
The club soon became a hub of children’s activities and people from across the city started becoming its members. “We now giving training in art, yoga, scrabble, cricket, TT, shuttle and chess,” says Shanker.
A small library was also created where children could borrow books, mostly in English. “We also regularly conduct talks on wildlife, nature, modern airplane and such topics of interests. Also magic shows have been organised.”
The office bearers and committee members serve on a voluntary basis. The Society conducts annual competitions in January every year, where over 600 children participate in 12 different events.
Membership is open to children between 4 and 14 years.
For details, call 99405 57388/ 94440 26237.
The office can be contacted between 4 .30 p.m. and 6 p.m.
