On 12 April, the sun shone brightly on the Chongoene community. The Escolinha of Santa Catarina grounds were transformed into a stage of joy, energy and sharing with the first edition of the Sports Days! More than a competition, it was a meeting of hearts, cultures and smiles.
Where Sport Unites and Culture Celebrates
This day was designed to promote socialising among the 130 children from A Little Gesture’s projects (Xai-Xai, Chongoene, Nhancutse, Banhine, Mission and the ESC Study Support Room). Children with different realities, but similar dreams: to play, learn and feel part of something bigger.
Alongside them were the familiar faces of ALG: General Coordinator Elisa, Project Manager Carlos, local coordinators and technicians, pre-school teachers, cooks and helpers. All with the same goal: to provide a memorable day.
Playing, Dancing, Laughing and Learning
The opening, given by Elisa, was marked by words of encouragement and sisterhood. It was clear from the start: we weren’t competing, we were sharing.
The day was filled with activities: men’s and women’s football, races, traditional games like Txuva and Mathokosana, cultural dances and even fashion shows with capulanas. There was theatre with strong messages, such as the fight against premature marriages, poetry that moved people and moments of questions and answers that showed how much the children know about the world.
When it comes to games, the community shone: it won the football matches and the traditional games. But team spirit and joy were shared by all. With so many activities and emotions, time flew by. Some dances and games remained unrealised, but the main thing happened: the children felt seen, valued and, above all, happy.
