​Sports isn't just a good way to keep children's bodies healthy, but it also has psychological benefits and teaches them important life skills too.
This was proven during the sports tournament for children in government run institutions organized by the Gauteng Department of Social Development held at Don Mattera Child and Youth Care Centre last Saturday, 21 October 2023.

Hundreds of children from various institutions across all five regions in Gauteng could not hide their excitement to have been given the opportunity to participate in soccer and netball tournament. A total of ten institutions participated in the games where about 59 top performers in men’s soccer were selected to form a provincial squad, and a total of 35 netball players were also selected.

According to one of the tournament’s organizers, who is also the Provincial Sports Chairperson of Institutions and a Care Worker at Walter Sisulu Child and Youth Care Centre, Tshepo Makgetha, the aim of the tournament is to create a platform for these young people to show case their talent and to provide them with an opportunity to distress and have fun with their peers.

Makgetha indicated that the initiatives seek to promote sports and sport-based learning as a tool to prevent crime and to effectively build the resilience of children who are in conflict with the law. He said this sought to positively influence the behavior and attitudes of these children and to prevent anti-social and risky behavior.

“These children deserve a second chance and a platform where they can prove themselves that they are also capable”, he added.

He said we all know that sports can go a long way in providing children with an opportunity to increase their confidence and self-esteem and help to reduce anxiety.

“It is a great way to meet people and exercise with friends, so we want these children to be free and interact with other fellow friends from other institutions”, he said.

Makgetha said the squad that has been selected will represent the province and soon will be playing against Augusto Palacious Academy. He said sport has many psychological and social benefits for children.

One skillful player from Walter Sisulu CYCC team, Mosquito, as he is affectionately known, said he is looking forward to being part of the Department’s squad. He said he is eager to showcase his talent. He wants to play for Orlando Pirates one day.

“I hope we get as many games as possible so that we are able to show our talent”, he said.