The Braamfischerville Multipurpose Centre was a hive of activity this week as scores of schoolchildren from across Region C competed in the annual Regional Kiddies Games. Over 80 children from various preschools in the neighbourhood participated in several activities as part of the programme, which also served as a warm-up for the city-wide version of the games, which will take place in May.
The Kiddies Games are designed to keep youngsters in the early stages of development (ages 3-6) physically active while also teaching them fine motor skills through sports.
Every year, the Sport and Recreation Directorate uses its municipal facilities to train teachers and learners in preparation for these games that take place in every region across Johannesburg.
Echoing the significance of such days was Acting Regional Director Ntswaki Hlaba, who spoke highly of the City’s state-of-the-art facilities and interdepartmental collaboration as she officially opened the programme.
“From a service delivery point of view, we collectively need to ensure that our facilities are well maintained so that they are used by communities. We need to continue to make such initiatives possible,” Hlaba said.
She noted that joint efforts enable the smooth flow of work within different departments for such activities to be successful.
Teamwork by various municipal departments was visible throughout the day as they each coordinated physical activities, including ball throwing, relays, and many others.
Thato Motsitsi from the regional sport and recreation desk said the activities brought fun and education to child development.
“Kiddies Games are vital to child growth as they develop children’s hand-eye coordination skills, psychological awareness, and cardiovascular fitness and endurance,” Motsitsi explained.
About 70 of the children who participated in the games will represent Region C at the upcoming finals in Ruimsig next month. Teachers will also be actively involved, as the preschools are grounded in physical development as an integral part of a child’s growth.
Nonkanyiso Mbhele, a teacher from Ebenezer Day-Care Centre, wishes such events were hosted more frequently.
“The physical and mental development aspects of the games are interlinked, which is why we instill them,” Mbhele added. “We would also like for these programmes to happen at least once per quarter.”
Region C, which finished third and won bronze last year, is looking forward to hosting all of the regions as they compete for the major trophy and bragging rights next month.
Written by Pamela Sibiya
21/04/2023