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The City of Johannesburg’s Community Development Department hosted the annual kiddies games at Klipriviersberg Recreation Centre earlier this week.
The games are targeted at pre-school children and form part of community development’s broader strategy of social cohesion and active lifestyle.
More than 400 energetic pre-school children from the City’s seven regions attended the annual kiddies games. Klipriviersberg Recreation Centre was filled with the screams of excited children as they participated in the games.
Some of the children who attended were from disadvantaged backgrounds and go to under-resourced early childhood development centres that don’t have a lot of toys for children to play with.
The games provided caregivers with the opportunity to see innovative and cost-effective ways to promote structured play for children.
“I didn’t know that children could have so much fun with just a tennis ball and bucket,” said Annalise Jacobs, a caregiver from Region B.
The annual kiddies games not only contribute to promoting and active lifestyle from a young age, they also play an important role in the cognitive, physical, social and emotional well-being of children. Play also helps children develop new skills and practice decision-making skills that lead to enhanced confidence and the resilience they will need to face future challenges.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development Cllr Nonhlanhla Sifumba urged parents to allow children to play and participate in sports. She said that City programmes such as the annual kiddies games are part of the City’s strategy to help develop future sports champs.
