The seventh annual Cape Town Games, hosted at the Sarepta Sports Complex in Kuils River, welcomed 570 student participants ranging from primary to high school age, who competed in various recreational activities, from netball to board games to an obstacle course and more.
Mayco Member for Community Services and Health Zahid Badroodien explains that the main focus of the event is not winning but to build a sense of community: “With the aim of teaching and developing skills, and of inspiring and connecting young people to their peers and their community, community spirit and cooperation is at the heart of the Cape Town Games. A big focus is on participation rather than on winning. This initiative is all about participation, motivation, acquiring new skills and just having fun. It’s a healthy alternative to an active lifestyle. I would like to thank all the participants who made this fun day a reality.”
As a recreational event, the Cape Town Games provide a platform for young people to develop active and healthy lifestyles. In order to qualify for the games, participants had to undergo three qualifying rounds, from games at their local community recreation facilities, subarea level games and area-level games. Each round hosted 143 participants aged between 12 and 16 years old.
Badroodien comments on the importance of recreational actives for local communities and residents: “Recreational programmes are an investment in community life and allow young people to play sport and to learn new skills in a safe and interactive environment.”
With 50 recreational hubs across the City, the three most popular are Nomzamo Sports and Recreation Centre, the Mandela Peace Park in Delft and the Dunoon hall. In the past four months, the Dunoon Hall hosted 28 700 residents.
Badroodien adds that events such as the Cape Town Games provide a healthy outlet for residents and members of the youth.
“The events leading up to the final of the Cape Town Games give those attending our programmes at the various recreation centres and hubs in the city an event to aim for and to train towards,”
Picture: City of Cape Town
