Sport activities at schools allow learners to relieve stress, build team spirit and so much more.
On Wednesday 19 May, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) announced that all contact sport had been suspended with immediate effect.
This announcement brought mixed feelings among South Africans and much disappointment among young school sportsmen and women.
In a statement released by the DBE, this decision was made following the revelation that school sports-related activities are believed to have caused Covid-19 outbreaks in Gauteng reported in the last week of Term 1 and the general rise of cases in the country.
Ricus Snyman, captain of Hopefield High School’s first rugby team, says he is very disappointed about the suspension decision.
“I was really looking forward to getting back on track and competing against other schools,” he said.
Ricus said precious opportunities may well be missed now, such as the chance to play Boland trials for Craven week.
Je-Ame Skippers from Weston High School has been playing netball since 7-years-old. She says she is very sad about this decision because she was looking forward to playing netball in her final year at school.
“The pandemic has made me lazy for practise and to play netball, just when I was looking forward to playing again it was suspended.”
Ricus added he also feels no sport means a negative impact on learners’ health.
“Some sports players practise only at designated practise sessions and then during their matches,” he pointed out.
Although many are aware of the rise in Covid-19 cases some feel that alternative arrangements and decisions could have been made.
