U-14 football tournament held to promote mental health

HISHEY WANGDI

GANGTOK,: NGO Freedom Facility organised an under-14 football tournament at Tashi Namgyal Academy (TNA), Gangtok, on Friday to observe World Suicide Prevention Day. The three-day tournament is being held from September 4 to 6.

The event was graced by chairperson of the Sikkim State Human Rights Commission, former Chief Justice of Patna High Court, Justice Meenakshi Madan Rai, as the chief guest, while TNA Principal-cum-Director, Retd. Brig. Mothi George Jacob, attended as the special guest.

The tournament aims to promote mental well-being among children and youth through sports while spreading awareness on suicide prevention and the importance of emotional support and community engagement.

The event also featured the felicitation of Ruisang Pakhrin, finalist of The Voice Kids Nepal Season 5, along with representatives of Jeevan Marga Rehabilitation Centre, Grace Rehab, and Samaritan Rehabilitation Centre, Pakyong, in recognition of their contributions towards supporting individuals and promoting mental health and well-being.

A total of 13 teams, including 11 government and private schools and two clubs, are participating in the tournament. The participating teams include Tashi Namgyal Academy (TNA), Late C.S. Rai Government JHS, Burtuk Government School, Pangthang Government JHS, Taktse International School, Bahai SSS, Modern SSS, West Point SSS, BiraspatiParsai SSS, TNSSS and Enchey SSS, along with Dragon Club and Singhi Club.

Addressing the gathering, the Sikkim State Human Right Commission chairperson highlighted the importance of World Suicide Prevention Day in creating awareness about suicide prevention. She went on to say that, though the World Suicide prevention day is observed on September 10, the pre-event organised is to generate awareness amongst the children and others alike. She said that while children may not fully understand the complexities of the issue, people face numerous challenges as they grow older, making it essential to create awareness and encourage conversations around mental well-being.

She emphasised that suicide is preventable and called for greater efforts to recognise and address the stigma surrounding the issue. Referring to this year’s theme, “Changing the Narrative on Suicide,” she said the focus should be on changing perceptions, encouraging open conversations and extending support to those in need.

Rai further stressed that suicide should not be viewed merely as a public health concern but as a human tragedy that can affect people across all age groups. She urged everyone to be attentive to those facing difficulties and extend support whenever needed.

Talking to the media, Freedom Facility founder K.C. Nima said the tournament was organised to address growing mental health concerns among young people. He noted that the increasing use of digital devices and mobile phones has been affecting the mental well-being of the younger generation, making it important to create awareness and encourage healthier forms of engagement.

He said the initiative seeks to use sports as a means of promoting mental health awareness, describing it as a collective human responsibility towards society. He added that such activities can provide young people with a positive environment while encouraging them to remain active and connected.

Nima expressed his gratitude to all the sponsors and supporters whose contributions made the tournament possible.