"We are not working. But we are working for all at home. Who cares for a break and fun for us? Today we had all of it." This was how most of the mothers felt after taking part in the ‘Fun and Sports for Mothers’ event at Everwin Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Kolathur, Chennai, on Tuesday (25.03.08).

For the women who toil day in and day out at their home doing household chores and helping their husband, children and in-laws, spending a day with hundreds of their fellow women playing games and competing for some sports honours, reminding them of their school and college days, should indeed be a memorable one. 812 women parents of Everwin Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Kolathur, Chennai, had this pleasant experience at the event.

Conducted at the school playgrounds on the occasion of Women’s day month, the ‘Fun and Sports for Mothers’ had all ingredients of a playful outing for the homemakers. Batches of 20 mothers each were formed and they played ‘ball passing’, ‘lucky corner’ and ‘musical chair’ to begin with. Barring the winners in these events, others were then guided to participate in a 50-metre running race. Arrangements were made in such a way that about 800 parents were taking part simultaneously in one event or the other.

Finally, 300 mothers lined up on opposite sides for a mega rope-pulling contest. After a long and hard battle, one side overpowered the other. All mothers were provided with snacks and soft drinks.

"Life is absolutely mechanical for us. We badly need programmes like this", said Anuradha, mother of R. Abinaya, an LKG child. "We ran, fell down, pulled the rope, collapsed, won in some games and lost some other games. But the day was thoroughly enjoyable", said Sheril, mother of Sandhya Rose, a class VII girl.

Mrs Mageswari, Chief Executive Officer of the school said the response of the women parents was overwhelming. "We wanted to give the housewives the much needed break and fun", she said. B. Purushothaman, principal, M. Kalaiarasi, senior vice principal, other vice principals and teachers had made elaborate arrangements for the parents’ get-together.