The Great Foundation Primary School in Selcourt hosted its inaugural sports tournament at the Selpark Primary sports field on October 25.

Hanniel Primary School from Dunnottar were the visitors. The learners participated in various sports, including fun activities for the younger ones.

Great Foundation principal Jessica Hawthorne told the Springs Advertiser that they wanted to create an opportunity for the learners to experience healthy competition in a friendly, community-based environment.

She said that partnering with another local private school allowed them to strengthen ties in their education community, while giving their students a platform to showcase their talents and teamwork.

She explained that they had been in talks about it for a while. Hawthorne also said that she and Hanniel’s principal, Jani De Lange, got together to make the necessary arrangements, so each school could get their learners and staff ready.

She added that both schools ran a tuck shop, providing food and refreshments for the learners and their parents.

“The highlight has definitely been seeing the learners’ enthusiasm and sportsmanship, on and off the field. Watching players from both schools cheer each other on and form new friendships was rewarding,” said Hawthorne.

Hawthorne said sports days like this taught teamwork, perseverance and fair play. Beyond physical skills, she said that the learners gained confidence, communication skills and a sense of belonging, which help them develop character and resilience that benefit them beyond the classroom.

De Lange said that the tournament was an exciting and valuable experience for the learners and that the matches were competitive yet friendly.

She added that their teams learnt a lot from playing against different schools and enjoyed the spirit of fair play and camaraderie.

“It gave our learners the chance to interact with children from different schools and learn how to work together toward a common goal. The experience strengthened their teamwork and sense of respect and sportsmanship toward others,” said De Lange.

Both principals highlighted the support from the parents during the tournament. Hawthorne said that the parents had been amazing and had a great turnout.

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She thanked Selpark Primary for renting the field to them. The principals said the tournament would be an annual event, with the schools alternating hosting.

Results from netball and soccer games:

Netball scores:
* Grades three and four: Hanniel School 2-0 to Great Foundation Primary.
* Grades five to seven: Hanniel School 5-1 Great Foundation Primary.

Soccer scores:
* Grade Three: Great Foundation 1-0 Hanniel School ;
* Grades four and five: Hanniel School 2-0 Great Foundation
* Grades six and seven: Great Foundation 5-3 Hanniel School.