ISLAMABAD, April 07 (INP): Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU)’s annual ‘sports gala’ will start next week at its residential colony’s ground in order to promote healthy environment and co-curriculum activities among the employees and students. The events in the sport gala will include: Cricket, Football, Volleyball and Table Tennis, the sports gall will comprises of three phases, under phase-1, resident of the University’s colony, employees and their sons will participate in the tournament. In phase-II, two games (Cricket and Table Tennis) will be played amongst the students of Rawalpindi/Islamabad regions. Under phase-III, the University has arranged two games (Cricket and Table Tennis) for under 16 of the residential colony. Other regions have also been directed to take appropriate steps for promotion of sports activities at their respective regions, said by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Shahid Siddiqui, allowing participation of the students in games activities of the Sports Galla. Such activities, the Vice-Chancellor said promotes positive thinking and sportsman spirit among students. He said varsities were center of learning and innovation while their contribution in sports could not be ignored AIOU, being learning organization attached high importance on promotion of sports activities, the Vice-Chancellor stressed the university's sport committee to take steps more for sports activities in the university as Healthy brain can be found only in a healthy body for that Physical exercise is must. The aim of education is the all round development of a personality. It cannot afford to neglect the physical aspect of a student. Development of mind and body are equally important in any good education, he added. Dr. Shahid Siddiqui suggested that all the Universities in the federal capital should pool their resources to promote sports’ activities, which he said is imperative to promote healthy and positive trends among the youth. In this connection, he said the AIOU is prepared to play a leading role for the betterment of young generation. INP/ J/AJ