The Citizen (Dar es Salaam)
Elizabeth Tungaraza
11 June 2011
Pupils of Al-Irshaad Nursery and Primary School had another wonderful moment last week when their school held a sports day at the school’s compound. Filled with joy and enthusiasm, pupils displayed their talents and skills in different games including athletics, jumping and water drinking. It’s been long known that children can benefit physically from sports, and also help them realise its psychological benefits.
Young Citizen spoke to winners in various categories who all explained why sports are important.
“Sports make us strong. They also make us sharp and relax our minds after class,” says Arafat Jaffar of Grade Six, winner of Jumping Category.
Umaima Hafidhi, who won the glass arrangement contest, says she is abundantly happy during sports day because of the presence of various games. “This helps us discover our talents, and make us fit. We also use this time to exchange ideas with other pupils,” she beams.
On the day, pupils were put into four colour groups namely blue, red, yellow and green. The yellow team seemed to win many games and eventually scooped the overall cup award.
Expressing his joy, Abubakar Malik, a Grade Six, says sports helps them balance their weight. “Many children nowadays are overweight, it is through sports that one controls weight. We want it to happen more often.”
The guest of honour, Mrs Zakhia Bilal, the wife of the vice president Dr Ghalib Bilal urged students to respect their teachers.
Representing Ms Bilal, the special seats MP Zainab Vulu also thanked parents for taking the responsibility of raising their children hence granting them their right to education.
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