Our NGO life-skills partner CoolPlay, which trains our coaches in the art of life-skills training, is well versed in the lure of competition, and the lessons that it holds for children.
Three years ago, Cambridge University rugby team coached the Ukhanyo players and later told us how the kids just loved participating in the mini matches that provided winning and losers. Even in PT classes, little contests excite the children.
In late May, Luqmaan Ismail of CoolPlay set up a sports event with four seven-a-side Ukhanyo teams per sport – soccer, netball and rugby. The matches were hard fought with all coaches and their followers egging on their teams, fighting for trophies. The day ended on a high, with a penalty shoot-out deciding the soccer final.
It was so much fun. The kids went home exhausted and happy. The winners glided home on air.
Thank you CoolPlay for showing the school the fire in the bellies of these sports girls and boys and — it must be said — the coaches as well! These photos say it all.
