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

Seven Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres participated in the codes, which included 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 games also formed part of the City’s preparations for the Kiddies Games, which will take place early next year. The best-performing children were selected to take part in the upcoming 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 lead 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 as a programme.”

The following ECD centres also 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
10/11/2021