​In support of the physical and mental wellbeing of children, the City of Johannesburg’s Sport and Recreation recently hosted a regional Kiddies Olympics at Ellis Park Arena.

Seven Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres participated in ball kicking, ball throwing, ball hopping, ball dribbling, ring throwing, bean bag and relay. Each ECD centre brought 15 children between the ages of five and six years and were accompanied by two caregivers per ECD centre.

The mini Olympics also formed part of the City’s preparations for the Kiddies Games scheduled for early next year. The best-performing children were selected for Kiddies Games.

“This event definitely helps the children with fitness. It exposes them to different types of games and allows them to discover what they are good at,” said Catta Ncube, a Grade R teacher from Little Lambs ECD centre.

As children conquer their surroundings, games assist them in developing new talents and abilities, which essentially leads to an increase in their confidence and perseverance, both of which are essential to tackle the obstacles of their time.

Edith Khuzwayo, who is the managing librarian at the Murray Park Library at Jeppestown, said: “Sports and games are a learning curve for children because there is so much balance and concentration. I also used to do such activities for children at Murray Park Library.”

The following ECD centres participated in the games: Kiddies Palace, Njabulo, Impilo, Sizani, Wings of Hope and Zwavhudi. All the participating ECD centres are from Jeppestown, Johannesburg.

Written by Ntombifuthi Junerose Nkosi

11/11/2021