Footprints Preparatory School, a special needs school renowned for its dedication to inclusive education, transformed into a magical playground when students, parents, and staff came together for their annual sports day. This year’s event was made even more special by its whimsical Harry Potter theme, which cast a spell of excitement over the participants.
The learners were divided into four houses, each represented by the colours blue, yellow, green, and red competed throughout the day in a variety of wizarding-inspired activities. The games, which included classics like tug-of-war and sock tossing, were infused with the magic of the wizarding world. House pride ran high as students rallied behind their respective colours, eager to bring home the sports day trophy.
Adding to the magic were the biokinetics students from both the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) and the University of Johannesburg (UJ). These students, specialising in the study of human movement, volunteered their time and skills to help coordinate and support the day’s events. Their presence not only ensured the smooth running of the activities but also brought a sense of excitement as they interacted with the young athletes.
The presence of the students added a professional touch to the day, ensuring that the activities were adapted to suit the unique needs of the children while keeping the fun factor high. Many of the volunteers expressed a sense of fulfilment in working with the students of Footprint.
Nkazimulo Shongwe, a biokinetics student, said, “We’re here to help the kids have a great time while keeping the day active and engaging. It’s been an eye-opening and heartwarming experience for all of us.”
The sports day also gave parents a chance to join in on the action, with special games organised for them to participate in alongside their children. “They have initiated a sports day like this and each year we come and support the kids. The teachers go out of their way; they do a phenomenal job putting everything together, So we just want to reciprocate the support they have shown for the children,” said Garreth van Moorst, who also sponsored the event. “So, today myself and my wife also wanted to help; we provided boerewors rolls and beverages.”
The principal of Footprints Preparatory, Sharon Rowe, expressed pride in the event’s success. “Our sports day is designed around the abilities of our children, so this is not your typical running and jumping sports day. It is more interactive and we always involve our parents because they work just as hard as the kids, so they should have a little bit of fun too,” the principal said.
Throughout the day, physical education teacher Tamzin Rowe was on hand to oversee the activities and ensure that the students gave it their all while enjoying themselves. “The energy was infectious,” Rowe said. “Today was fantastic for us; we spent a lot of time practising these exercises so that the kids would be comfortable with the movements and we themed it around Harry Potter.”
The day concluded with a spirited awards ceremony, where each house was celebrated for their efforts. Though all houses competed fiercely, it was about more than just winning. The joy and sense of achievement radiated from the students as they accepted their medals and cheered each other on.
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