PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIP BRINGS OUT THE BEST IN EASTERN CAPE SCHOOLS

The Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDoE), in partnership with the Department of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture (DSRAC) and Eastern Cape Schools Athletics, recently hosted the highly anticipated EC School Provincial Summer Games Competition at the Buffalo City Metro Education District. This thrilling event brought together learners from across the Eastern Cape province to participate in four sporting codes identified by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) this year, with different age categories targeting world sporting champions.

Learners competed in:

- Gymnastics

- Softball

- Goalball

- Table tennis

Ronald Lottering, DSRAC school sports project manager, highlighted the purpose of the competition, emphasizing that these games will increase participation of learners in sports, encouraging teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship among learners. Selected athletes will represent the province in the National Championships this coming December in Pretoria. He said, "The championship aims to strengthen, in an organized and coordinated manner, the ability of learners and educators to work cooperatively across all races, ethnicities, and genders."

According to Lizo Baartman, Senior Education Specialist for Learner Enrichment Programs and Safety Coordinator in Nelson Mandela Bay Education District, "Summer Games are an integral part of preparing our learners to be occupied during the summer season. Learner involvement and talent identification ensure that social ills are kept at bay. This is crucial to the Department of Education's goal of developing the child in totality. Occupying the mind with developmental programs during these times is vital and necessary."

Baartman further emphasized the benefits of the competition, saying, "These games build multi-talented, future-balanced leaders who should be disciplined in all aspects of life. To all educators, coaches, officials, and athletes, I wish all participants the best foot forward for your commitment and sacrifice you are making to better our societies and the country as a whole."

Nikhil Ramasamy, a Grade 8 homeschool learner who participated in Table Tennis, shared his experience: "Being here and winning my match is a good feeling. The tournament is amazing, bringing us together to showcase our talents in various sports codes as we all share the same goal to represent our province in the National Games."

Someleze Rozani, a Grade 9 Softball player from Gxulu Junior Secondary School in OR Tambo Coastal Education District, was overwhelmed to be part of the game. She said, "I am very honored and happy to have participated in the Provincial level. As the ORTCD, we strongly believe that the selected district will make us proud."