Celebrating community spirit at Ocean View's Early Childhood Development sports day

Seven Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres came together to have a sports day at the Ocean View sports field multi-purpose centre on Wednesday, February 11.

More than 180 children from Ocean View-based ECD centres, including Little People Educare, Little Rascals Daycare, Little Warriors Playgroup, Little Footprints, Daisy Day Care, Kingsdale, and Small Adventures Preschool, participated in various sports events as part of the programme. 

The event was sponsored by the Anwar Jakoet Foundation (AJF), which provided sports equipment, treats for the children, and easels for art and books,  while the Ocean View-based Hands4Change non-profit volunteered during the day. 

The children were playing the jumping sack game, the ring game, and the ball and scoop game.

Hands4Change coordinator, Diona Kindo, said that despite the rain pouring on the day,  the event continued indoors with enthusiasm and joy, exemplifying the unwavering dedication of educators, children, and parents. “The months of planning and teamwork culminated in a day filled with fun, laughter, and hope for our future generation,” she said.

Ms Kindo said this event reminds everyone of the importance of community, resilience, and the joy of childhood.

Principal of Little Warriors Playgroup, Nicky Stringer, said it was a phenomenal experience for the children. “Our ECD is inclusive; we assist children who are on the autism spectrum, and this sports day helped empower the many children who participated in the event,” she said. 

The AJF has its office in Woodstock, and they have supported Ocean View during the past three years.

This organisation supports sustainable food provision, sport programs for the poor, and literary support for ECD centres in rural areas. Founder of AJF, Anwar Jakoet, said they provide holistic support for the youth. “Many of the children come from areas that encounter many social challenges; it all starts at the ECD level, where children can get uplifted,” he said.

Find False Bay Echo on TikTok and Instagram @ccmonlineza