Non-contact sports take centre stage at schools
Frikkie Odendaal (32), a Sunnyridge Primary School sports coordinator and teacher, said schools had to find alternative methods of coaching school sports while considering Covid-19 restrictions.
The approach to sport in schools had to change.
Frikkie Odendaal (32), a Sunnyridge Primary School sports coordinator and teacher, said schools had to find alternative methods of coaching school sports while considering Covid-19 restrictions.
“The players in different codes have to practise with the understanding that sharing equipment is not in the best interest of the sporting code and other team players. We cannot look at sports like we used to.”
According to Odendaal, Sunnyridge Primary already allocated coaches for all their sporting codes and cultural activities, which is in the best interest of the school and the well-being of learners.
“Strict protocols like social distancing, wearing of masks, cleaning of equipment and sharing were all taken into consideration.”
Odendaal said there are challenges when hosting sports events during the pandemic.
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“The number of spectators allowed into the venue is limited.
“Social distancing between spectators and making sure everyone follows strict protocol remain the greatest challenges,” he said.
“Sunnyridge will kick off 2021 with non-contact sports such as athletics. We will focus on track sports like sprints.
“We encourage non-contact sport to start and once we are allowed will proceed with other activities.”
Odendaal added the school strives to participate in a variety of sporting and cultural codes that suit all types of learners.
“We have hockey, soccer, netball, cricket, jukskei, African dance, choir and eisteddfod.
“I think learners are hungry to show their skills to everyone.”
He said schools cannot stop participating in sporting codes.
“Sport plays a big role in the lives of children. It is a form of teaching discipline and responsibility and social relationships.”
Odendaal said parents can assist by making sure learners have the relevant equipment to ensure they do not have to borrow from one another.
“Parents can also ensure their child’s equipment is cleaned daily.”
During the lockdown period people, in general, did not get to exercise and eat healthily due to the unavailability of resources.
“Instead of staying indoors, go outside and be active. All children love running. Children can exercise without thinking of it as exercise.”
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