Two annual sporting events were held at Ocean View Sports Field last week, organised by the City’s Recreation and Parks Department. One was for Learners with Special Education Needs (LSEN) and another for the little ones who attend various Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centres in the local community.

‘It has been some time since the groups could take part in their regular programmes at the community centre due to Covid-19 restrictions, but at the field there was plenty of space to social distance and get together for some festive fun and cheer for the school holidays.

‘It was all about fun for the children. Activities ranged from hopper ball, balance beam, egg and spoon race, sack race, tug of war and athletics. Sport is crucial for development, especially at this age. It helps them develop their muscles, improve agility, develop motor skills and challenges them to do their best,’ said Andile Pango, Play Leader for the Recreation and Parks Department and organiser of the events.

First up was the LSEN sports day on 8 December where 110 learners from Ocean View, Red Hill, Simons Town, Da Gama Park, Masiphumelele, Kalk Bay, Westlake, Hout Bay and surrounds, participated. The group, aged between 6 and 18, ran around the field in athletic games, soccer and netball matches and other activities especially adapted for their needs.

The City’s relationship with the Ocean View School for LSEN goes back six years when a need was identified to help the learners get more physical exercise. Since then, a weekly programme was created catering to learners with neurological, mental, physical and learning disabilities.

The relationship between the school and the play leaders grew even stronger during lockdown when community centres were closed. During that time the officials went the extra mile and voluntarily went to the school to offer exercise classes for both learners and teachers in smaller groups just to keep them motivated and healthy.

‘The school opened in 1978 with only 5 students. Today we’ve grown to more than 100 learners that receive the daily care and education that is appropriate for them,’ said Donovan Fritz.

Fritz is a Parent Liaison Officer for the Ocean View School for LSEN, and has lived in the area for 40 years. He is passionate about his work and loves sport. Having worked at the school for 11 years, he’s a cheerleader for any activity that improves the health and general wellbeing of the youth.

Multiple roleplayers contributed to the success of the day, including members of the Walking Bus Project who walk children from their homes to school to keep them safe.

The Cape of Good Hope Rotary Club also played their part by donating clothing items for netball and soccer teams, whilst NGO Love Life, sponsored stationery for the classrooms.

The many parents and caregivers in attendance made it an extra special occasion as they cheered on the teams from spectator stands.

Little Feet Sport and Play at Ocean View Sports Field

Later in the week, 350 young learners from 13 Early Childhood Development Centres in Ocean View also had their sports day.

Accompanied by their parents, volunteers, teachers and guardians, the field was abuzz with excitement as the little ones did their best to hula hoop, compete in a sack race, tug-of-war and balance on beams.

The purpose of the event was to get the children into the festive spirit through exercise and outdoor fun. Recreation is excellent for physical and mental development and it was a day well spent with mascot, Sparky, who captured lots of big smiles.

The facility was also the ideal location for the event, with a well-maintained synthetic pitch to cushion the tumbles and falls.

There are two large ECD’s servicing the Ocean View area, Radiance and Aquila – the rest are all home-based such as Little People Edu-care, Little Bright Stars, Pam’s Day Care, Happy Feet, Little Doves, Daisy Day Care and others.

Due to many of the parents having to work, the ECDs look after children from 2-3 months to grade R.

‘We have been waiting in anticipation for the annual sports event, and it is a great way to end the year for the children, but also the teachers. The annual sports day is about creating a fun environment for the children, and with the help of Andile and his team, they always make the activities exciting for the children and inspire the teachers to do the same when at school,’ said the Chairperson of the Ocean View Early Childhood Development Forum, Gail Simon.

Source: City of Cape Town