Start Young - Head Start Matters.

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If you are keen and have queries, please contact Coach Rameshon at 9100 4369 or you can email him at m.rameshon@gmail.com or swift.rameshon@gmail.com. Please refer to website http://flexifitness.com.sg (for more information on him and his programmes)

By Rameshon
Bsc (Hons) Degree in Physical Education, Loughborough University (1992-1994)

Masters in Education (University of Western Australia, 2005-2008)

Firstly, we have read on the importance of motor skill from my earlier post.
http://rameshon-m.blogspot.com/2010/07/importance-of-motor-skill.html

Secondly, I have written this article to further elaborate on the importance of motor skills. 

It is stated in studies that 1-2 years old, in comparison to a child in a restricted and unrestricted environment, there is not much difference in a child in terms of skill development. Reflexes skill develops at this age. Between 3 and 5 years old, there may be a slight difference there. The difference is not that grave. However, between the age of 6 onwards, the difference is great. It would be good for parents to do something about it now to develop the child's gross motor skill before the age of 16 as the window period for child development will be closed. One can only exercise and do fitness work to enhance one's health. As for performance, the late starter has already lost out. Also, the one that develops the skill for performance tends to enjoy the game or sports later in life.

The earlier you start your child into the programme in sports, especially motor skills, that particular child will have an advantage over kids who start late. Mental and physical confidence would have been developed at that time. Chances of going Olympics is greater for the young starter in the chosen sport that the child is good at. The late starter will have a great disadvantage. 

Also in terms of safety, the ones who have better motor skill do have a better chance of avoiding an injury. Even if one falls down, the child with better motor skill will be able to avoid injury, or even not get an injury in the child falls down to the floor. It is because of increased bone density of the child that prevents an injury from taking place.

Spatial awareness, the sense of timing, speed, agility, quickness and stamina and other skill should be developed in a fun way before the child reaches 16 years of age. In the long run, the child will continue sports such that they don't fall sick easily and save a lot on medical bills. Acting fast to develop the skills is of paramount importance. 

www.runningcoachsg.com

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By Narayanan

Rameshon has taught in Hwa Chong Institution, plus several schools, and Republic Polytechnic as well. He has won many accolades and he was awarded Merit Award for 1991 marathon performance in breaking the national record of Singapore, at that time. He has made 22 male athletes do a marathon in sub-3hrs. He has made 7 female runners do sub-4 hours for the marathon, as well. He was inducted to the ‘Roll of Honour’  by the then College of Physical Education, organised by Singapore Olympic Academy, in 1998, for breaking the National record repeatedly 4 times, till he did 2hr 24min 22sec).

He also has a Coaching group and he trains them on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7pm at Botanic Gardens. Those interested can call him at 91004369 for coaching assistance, to improve performance. There is also personal training that he does for many in a week. You can e-mail him at swift.rameshon@gmail.com.