Laerskool Edleen Primary in Kempton Park hosted the first PEP Mini Netball Festival in Gauteng this weekend.
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The day was fun and filled with netball activities, competitions, entertainment and food.
Schools that participated included Pinnacle College, Laerskool Impala Primary, Curro Serengeti Primary, Laerskool Bredell, Isekelo Primary School, Phomolong Primary, Winnie Mandela Primary, Thuthuka Primary, Edleen Laerskool Primary, Solid Foundation, Khulasizwe Primary and Chloorkop Primary School.
PEP introduced fun and educational activities at the event to enhance the girls’ netball experiences.
These included educational sessions and motivational talks designed to nurture and develop girls into more confident and better versions of themselves.
In addition to giving girls a chance to stand confidently and aspire to more, the mini-festival gave more than 50 between the ages of eight and 10 an early introduction to the sport’s fundamentals.
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The tournament was overseen by experienced South Africa Schools Netball (SASN) coaches who worked hard to lay the foundation skills of the sport for the girls.
Cathy Sadler, a teacher, netball coach, and the sports co-ordinator for Solid Foundation, said the competition was vital to schools because it taught children social and communication skills. After all, they co-operate with others as a team to accomplish a common objective.
“With its holistic approach to education, netball equips girls with vital life skills they can use on and off the field.
“For instance, they could learn how to lead, handle wins and losses, and improve their key teamwork skills,” said Sadler.
Nellie Makhatini, the SASN vice-president, said mini netball aims to motivate and unify children in a way few other things can.
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“With netball, girls are spoken to in a language they can understand. The mini-tournament has the power to bring hope where there was only despair.
“It contributes significantly to netball’s development and makes it more accessible for young players who can be developed into future national heroes and worldwide superstars,” said Makhatini.
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