Preschoolers display potential at sports camp  

Kwa-Thema – The Little Excellence and Nursery Academy hosted a sports camp for aspiring athletes. Established in 2021 by Charlotte Makitla, the academy has always sought to break barriers.

“We decided to do the camp as something that has never been done and will stimulate the children and their parents. We have had pyjama parties and cultural and career days. It is easily the greatest initiative that we have had.”

Makitla said her inspiration came from movies she had watched.

“You can see how excited the children get when they participate or compete in games. I just found that element to be missing from SA preschools.

She said that the event was an eye-opener for parents.

“The parents also had ideas on how to keep their children stimulated at home,” she explained.

The group comprised boys and girls between three and six years old who stayed on the campsite on Nestadt Street, Withok Estates, over the weekend.

“On Friday, the learners came to school with their duffle bags already packed. We know our children, especially the returning learners. We had to figure out which of them would be able to stay over at the campsite, away from their homes, and they did well in that regard,” said Makitla.

As soon as they arrived, the first challenge was for the little champs to collect wood for the campfire, which they used to toast marshmallows. There were eight adults to supervise the children onsite.

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“We split the children into two groups, the Sharks and the Dinos. Our next big challenge was to erect the tents, which they did well,” she added.

Before supper, the children fed the horses. After supper, they did some star gazing.

“The parents joined us on Saturday morning. Coach Xolani ‘Sgaqagaqa’ Motshweni prepared physical activities for the learners to compete in, including balancing beams, throwing, an obstacle course and putt-putt,” explained Makitla.

She said the teachers and some parents also participated in the activities to lead by example. Makitla said that the event developed the children holistically and was a platform for families to bond. She said that the camp would be an annual event.