While the teams were competing, the younger children had fun having their faces painted by volunteers of the day, Talia, Felicity and Jessica. The most popular designs were the South African flag, butterflies, cats and Spiderman. The children also loved jumping on the crocodile shaped jumping castle.

The caregivers were kept busy as they provided first aid for the minor injuries sustained on the sports fields, and other ailments.

At lunch time, Bessy Netsianda, MaAfrika Tikkun’s Diepsloot Project Manager, and Amanda Blankfield, MaAfrika Tikkun’s Marketing Manager, led the children into the new basketball hall in MaAfrika Tikkun’s Youth Development Centre, which is to be officially launched on Wednesday 26 November. Here they were treated to balloons and a Christmas tree to celebrate their end of year party while they ate their hearty lunch prepared in the kitchens all morning.

While the sports day was proceeding, at the Wings of Life Early Childhood Development Centre, the five to six year old children were having their graduation ceremony. They will be going to Primary School next year; and their parents could not have been more proud to see their “babies” dressed in cap and gown.

After lunch, a few more matches were held on the basketball court and then it was time for prize giving. Thomas Taole, organiser of the sports aspects and order of the day, assembled the teams and then congratulated all on their effort by handing out medals and certificates to all that participated.

Then he announced the winners of the three trophies: The Best Sportsman Award, a new trophy that was introduced after last year’s first sports day, which recognises individual sporting talent, was presented to seven year old Mojalefa Meletse from Orange Farm, for his talent and dedication in a number of sports both on the day and generally throughout the year.

The second award, The Sportsmanship Award for the team showing determination and spirit, was presented to an excited Alexandra team.

Thomas then congratulated Orange Farm for winning the 2007 Sports Day, which was held in Orange Farm. He then read out the scores of the day: Alex: 9, Orange Farm: 16 and Diepsloot: 24 points. The new 2008 champion team is Diepsloot! The blue team jumped up and down, screamed and shouted and had to all touch their trophy.

It was a hot, sunny day with fun and laughter. Well done to the champions, and we all look forward to next year’s sports day.