October 11, 2004
By Tabisa Mntengwana
THE second annual Council Employee Games, held in Johannesburg on Friday, 8 October, left athletes tired but inspired and ready for next year's games.
Participants - all City of Johannesburg employees - took part in more than 20 sport codes ranging from tennis to morabaraba at the Marks Park Sports Club.
Athletes from different city regions kicked off the day with a grand parade, followed by a power walk and a session of aerobics.
"For the first time in my life I walked five kilometres," said Mmaphuti Matsa of the Johannesburg Metro Police. "The walk was very exhausting but I endured to the end. I enjoyed myself and I hope the games continue every year."
Games like soccer, bowling and tennis started after the walk.
The day was filled with fun - and much laughter. For many it was a day to meet old friends and make new ones.
"The theme of the City is 'play, work and stay in the city'. We have worked and stayed in the city, now it's time for us to play," said Christine Walters, mayoral committee member for community and social development.
More than 3 000 athletes took part in this year's games, dressed in their brightly coloured tracksuits and T-shirts.
As was to be expected, the soccer and netball pavilions were full, with the spectators singing and dancing their support for their respective teams.
Reflecting on the games, Walters said she had come to the conclusion that the City's employees really needed a break and the games were there to motivate the workers to work harder and better.
Director of social development, Graeme Bloch, said the Council Employee Games were part of the services provided by the City for their employees.
It was good, he added, to see employees coming together in one place as one city.
The overall winners of Johannesburg's Council Employee Games will take part in the semi-finals against other Gauteng municipalities, such as Tshwane and Mogale City, on 16 and 17 October at the Marks Park Sports Club.
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