1. THE much-anticipated Mind Blown League 2023 Tournament took centre stage at Kings Club, Kingsmead Cricket Stadium, last Saturday, on December 2, where learners from across KwaZulu-Natal showcased their strategic prowess in a thrilling showdown of the GOGI: Guardians of Gaia Island – the collectable card game with an educational twist.

The league, which promotes science and climate literacy among grade five to 12 learners, saw enthusiastic participation from 50 established Mind Blown clubs in KZN throughout the 2023 season. The teams, comprised of two players each, have engaged in fierce competition within their school clubs since early August. They earned Sparx, the league’s currency, not only through in-game achievements but also by participating in climate-action activities, such as coastal clean-ups, waste audits and creating innovative prototypes.

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Twenty-four teams from primary schools and high schools advanced to the playoff finals. The event also welcomed teachers, parents and Scouts leaders.

The winning high school was Belverton Secondary from Tongaat, and the winning primary school was Sunford Primary from Phoenix. Each member of the winning teams, as well as their teacher and school, received fantastic trophies and prizes. The runners-up and all participating teams walked away with medals and certificates.

The highlight of the day was the intense competition among Glenwood schools. Team ‘Prime Justice’ from Glenwood High, led by Dieumerci Cikuru and Tristan Joubert, clinched a special prize for racking up an impressive 9 830 Sparx throughout the season. Tristan gleefully recounted a move that had the audience whooping in delight. “When we played our second match in the tournament, the tension was palpable. We were down to our last two cards, and the opposing team had a formidable defense. That’s when we executed a move we had been practising for weeks. The look on their faces when we turned the game around was priceless!”

In addition, Karthigai Rambujan from Glenwood High secured the Ocean Hero Challenge prize for his innovative prototype ‘The Anteak’ designed to remove nurdles from Durban’s beaches. It further highlighted the school’s dominance in both skill and commitment to climate action.

Penzance Primary, represented by ‘The Goats’ and ‘The Green House’, displayed remarkable teamwork. The educator in charge, Filipa Williams, shared positive feedback from the event, noting that the game caused increased literacy and fostered collaboration among learners and even with parents.

ALSO READ: Glenwood Learner works on solution to ocean pollution

The impact of Mind Blown League was not confined to the winners. Knowledge Mxhonywa from Mowat Park Secondary expressed, “Playing the games have influenced subject choices among my Grade Nine learners. They previously did not consider choosing science subjects, but after playing in the Mind Blown League, they realised that science is fun and very, very interesting.”

Charlie Jacobs from Glenwood High commended her learners, stating, “I was so impressed with the level of commitment shown by my learners. They were so enthusiastic that they have inspired others to join.” She shared a touching moment, saying, “During the tournament, I witnessed not just the thrill of victory but also the resilience in defeat. The camaraderie among learners, the support they showed each other, it was a testament to the spirit of the Mind Blown League.”

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