On the 9 September 2017, Hudson Park Primary in East London hosted nine primary schools from around East London and one from Stutterheim, that participated in the James O’ Kennedy under 7 Rugby festival.

It was a fun filled day as the lads played with such heart and soul pouring their all in the field of play. The boys showed such enthusiasm, zeal, stamina and sportsmanship as they played five games back to back with only less than 3 minute breaks when changing fields. Parents came in numbers to support their children, cheering them on and at times coaching from the outside; Also displaying episodes of great excitement and exhilaration as they shouted “tackle my boy”. A sound of applause and praise would from time to time come from the side of the field when try is scored. Speaking to one of the parents who had come to support her son, Sibongile Nxazonke, she had this to say “I am so proud of my boy, he tackled hard and played a good game, I will encourage him to continue with the sport”.

Communications had an opportunity to speak to Lyle Hansen, Head of Sport at Hudson Primary who gave a brief background about the festival and the man it has been named after. “This festival for the grade 1’s has been going on for15 years and is named after James O’ Kennedy; In honour of him we have decided to basically introduce the first under 7 rugby festival back in 2002 and obviously we have been continually doing it”, said Hansen. James O’ Kennedy has been an administrator and coach in all age groups for over 50 years and for the last 18 years has been involved with the under 9 rugby age group at Hudson Park Primary School. Hansen also made an important note saying that, “It’s not merely about the results, it’s more about the enjoyment for the boys and let them learn to play and to have fun”. This is a platform to promote fitness and heathy living.

Sport is an integral part of a learner’s life as it helps stimulate the mind and reduces anxiety. In the same breath it should not only be viewed as a way to keep fit and stay healthy but also as an activity that molds character as it teaches discipline, responsibility, self-confidence, accountability and teamwork.

One of the fundamental roles of the Department of Education is to raise future leaders who are disciplined and law abiding citizens and sport is but one way this can be achieved.

“Sport has the power to change the world, it has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where there was only despair. It is more powerful than government in breaking down racial barriers”.