There was no grass left on the soccer field of the small village of Shiela, 45 km south of Mafikeng. But the children who had assembled here on 23.11.2013 did not bother much about this and were quite content with the dusty playing ground where they conducted the tournament of all After School Centres of Tsibogang Christian Action Group.
The teams did not only come from the five established After School Centres (Godisang- meaning Bring up!- Rebaone –meaning we are His children- from two areas of Mafikeng , Emmanuel from Welbedacht, Reatlegile- meaning We have made it- from Khunotwane and the host Orearabetse – meaning He has answered us) but also from the informal After School Program in Extension 39 (another newly established sub-urb in Mafikeng) and the support group for children living with HIV A Re Tshamekeng Bana (meaning Let us play, children)
While the boys were busy with soccer, the girls from the same seven centres conducted a net ball tournament. The third sporting discipline of our After School Sports festival was volleyball with four teams trying to win the prestigious cup.
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| The team from Rebaone won the gold medal in the soccer tournament. |
In total 193 children took part in the games who were accompanied by 35 adults. As most of the kids were orphans and vulnerable children who usually do not enjoy outings, this day was very special for them and will remain in their memories for long.
When the games were over all children came together in a big tent where Boikhutso Choeu encouraged them to have children with HIV as their friends.
After this each team was called to the front according to the position achieved and each child received a T-shirt bearing the Tsibogang Emblem and the message “Shaping the Leaders of Tomorrow” at the back.
In addition medals were given to the best three teams of each discipline and the winners received the cup that they proudly took home. A delicious meal closed this memorable day.
By Wolfgang Hermann
After School Festival 2013