The City of Johannesburg’s Community Development Department hosted the annual Kiddies Games at East Bank Recreation Centre in the heart of Alexandra on 13 April 2022.
The bright and sunny weather took center stage allowing nine Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres to participate in the codes, with six ECD’s from Alexandra, two from Klopfenstein and one ECD centre from Orange Grove. East Bank Recreation Centre was filled with squeals of excitement as children participated in the games.
There were seven codes played including; ball kicking, ball throwing, ball hopping, ball dribbling, ring throwing, bean bag and relay. Each ECD centre brought 15 kids between the ages of 5 – 6 year olds. Two caregivers were responsible for one ECD centre.
“Seeing the kids have so much fun and running around with big smiles on their faces is so heartwarming. The games help children learn to take turns, how to win, how to lose, methods of sequencing, and that following rules may be critical for success,” said event coordinator, Sizakele Mavuso.
Games play an important part in keeping a child’s mind, body and soul healthy by providing a variety of activities that contribute to an overall healthy physique. It also teaches children to maintain a calm and polite demeanor regardless of their emotional swings.
“Sports and games are a learning curve for children and we urge parents to allow children to play and participate in sports because there is so much balance and concentration,” said Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development Cllr Ronald Harris.
“The Kiddies Games hosted by Sport and Recreation is one of the community based initiatives that is being exposed more to our various regions in the City to promote physical fitness from an early age. Bringing these activities to the community encourages citizens to be more aware of how best they serve the children by stimulating them to lead healthy lifestyles in a fun and meaningful manner,” he said.
The following ECD centre’s took part in the games; Sakhisizwe DC, Bright Stars, Little Stars, Angel and us, Tswelapele, Masihambisane, Precious DC, Angel DC and Eyethu DC.
Written by Ntombifuthi Junerose Nkosi
13/04/2022