Eight ECD centres from Ward 79 held their second mini Olympics at the Kwa-Thema Stadium on April 10.
The stadium was filled with excitement from the young participants from Takalani, Tholulwazi, Sibakhulu, Luthando, Bright Future, Musa, Shalom and Iketsetse Day Centres, with the parents cheering from the stands.
Speaking to the African Reporter, the chairperson of the Spelling Bee ECD, Mahlodi Mtiya, said that the event was aimed at developing children physically, as the teachers develop them intellectually at the centres.
She said that many centres don’t have spaces for the children to run freely, so having the event gives them that opportunity.
One of the children from Mosa Daycare Centre. Photo: Zamokuhle Ndawonde
She added that part of the event is to bring the ECD centres in the ward and standardise the way children are taught.
“Bringing the children into one venue is also one of the ways for us as educators to help them grow their social skills, which will help them when they go to primary school.
“Having events like this also helps ECD centres with exposure in terms of getting sponsorships from local businesses in helping with events or items for the centres,” said Mtiya.
Mtiya explained that there are children who are gifted in sports, and having a mini Olympics allows them to showcase their talent outside the classroom.
A child from Ikeketse Daycare Centre plays ringtoss. Photo: Zamokuhle Ndawonde
Nhlanhla Mahlangu, a principal from Bright Future in Langaville Ext 8, told the publication that being part of the mini Olympics gives the centre the opportunity to showcase the talents and abilities of our young learners in a fun, competitive environment.
She said that the mini Olympics promotes community engagement, celebrates early childhood achievements, and encourages a spirit of sportsmanship among the children.
“Events like the mini Olympics extend learning beyond the classroom by fostering physical activity, social interaction, teamwork, and confidence-building. They help children develop motor skills, emotional resilience, and interpersonal skills in a real-world setting.
“We hope learners gain skills such as teamwork, communication, physical coordination, problem-solving, and self-esteem. The experience also teaches them how to handle both winning and losing gracefully,” noted Mahlangu.
Moms enjoy one of the activities. Photo: Zamokuhle Ndawonde
The principal shared that the children have responded with excitement and enthusiasm, enjoying the chance to meet new peers and experience friendly competition. It inspires them to challenge themselves and appreciate diversity in abilities and backgrounds.
She said that the biggest highlight has been seeing the children proudly participate and showcase their abilities, along with moments of spontaneous teamwork and joy that made the experience memorable for both learners and staff.
Mahlangu explained that initiatives like the mini Olympics prepare children for formal schooling by developing foundational social, emotional, and physical skills needed for classroom success.
“They promote discipline, cooperation, and confidence, easing the transition to more structured academic environments,” she concluded.
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At the end of the event. The parents also took to the ground and showcased their physical skills too in some of the games that the children participated in.
Nhlanhla Mahlangu, a principal from Bright Future in Langaville Ext 8, told the publication that being part of the mini Olympics gives the centre the opportunity to showcase the talents and abilities of our young learners in a fun, competitive environment.
She said that the mini Olympics promotes community engagement, celebrates early childhood achievements, and encourages a spirit of sportsmanship among the children.
“Events like the mini Olympics extend learning beyond the classroom by fostering physical activity, social interaction, teamwork, and confidence-building. They help children develop motor skills, emotional resilience, and interpersonal skills in a real-world setting.
“We hope learners gain skills such as teamwork, communication, physical coordination, problem-solving, and self-esteem. The experience also teaches them how to handle both winning and losing gracefully,” noted Mahlangu.
The principal shared that the children have responded with excitement and enthusiasm, enjoying the chance to meet new peers and experience friendly competition. It inspires them to challenge themselves and appreciate diversity in abilities and backgrounds.
She said that the biggest highlight has been seeing the children proudly participate and showcase their abilities, along with moments of spontaneous teamwork and joy that made the experience memorable for both learners and staff.
Mahlangu explained that initiatives like the mini Olympics prepare children for formal schooling by developing foundational social, emotional, and physical skills needed for classroom success.
“They promote discipline, cooperation, and confidence, easing the transition to more structured academic environments,” she concluded.
At the end of the event. The parents also took to the ground and showcased their physical skills too in some of the games that the children participated in.
The children raced enthusiastically on plastic motorbikes. Photo: Zamokuhle Ndawonde
The little ones enjoy sackracing. Photo: Zamokuhle Ndawonde
The children raced using homemade cars. Photo: Zamokuhle Ndawonde
There were plenty of different fun games and activities for the children.Photo: Zamokuhle Ndawonde
The children were eager to participate. Photo: Zamokuhle Ndawonde
The principals of the ECD centres in Ward 79. Photo: Zamokuhle Ndawonde
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