Roodepoort-based early childhood development organisation, Young Voices Academy, held its annual Africa ke Rona sports competition in collaboration with the Region C Sports and Recreation Department at Ruimsig Stadium on Saturday, August 23.

According to the academy founder, Rapelang Simente, the competition hosted various local early childhood development centres, which competed in several games for the various prizes on offer.

Ruimsig Stadium was abuzz with excitement as teachers, parents, and family members gathered en masse to watch their little future sports stars compete in a series of fun games, hoping to take the top position.

Games included a variety of balancing and aiming games, ball games, as well as races.

The children, initially sceptical of all the fuss, quickly warmed up to the fun and took part wholeheartedly, while parents and family members cheered loudly from the sidelines.

“The event was a huge success,” says Rapelang.

“The children had heaps of fun, and the spectators really stood behind their teams.”

Reigning champions, Creative Kids Learning Centre, once again took the win, much to the pleasure of their supporters.

“We would like to renew our plea to early childhood development centres to make physical exercise a larger part of their educational offering,” says Rapelang.

“Besides being a whole lot of fun, physical activity not only promotes good health. It also encourages good family values through families coming together to cheer on their little athletes.

“We look forward to hosting more such competitions in future.”