For the love of THE GAME It was her love and passion for sport that led Mieke Coetzee to develop a sports programme for children. Mieke grew up in Brackenhurst, Alberton, and matriculated from Hoërskool Dinamika. Ever since she can remember she enjoyed being active, participating in many different sports. “We were always encouraged to participate, and at an early age I realised that sometimes you win and sometimes you lose, but you can decide how you react when you lose. My parents attended most of our sports events and always cheered us on. My younger brother, Ockert, and I used to play action netball together. We had so much fun, as we are equally competitive.” Mieke wanted to share her passion for playing and coaching with the youth and motivate them to follow a healthy and active lifestyle. She believes participation in sports creates friendships that last a lifetime. Children gain confidence and learn how to deal with losing and stress and how to cope under pressure. “My late grandfather, Oubaas Coetzee, who was well known in the athletics circles in the Vaal Triangle and the <strong>South</strong> African Athletics Association, inspired me to not only play sports, but to go into education and coach sports. He was involved in the first athletics coaching course in <strong>South</strong> Africa in 1961.” 16 Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> <strong>April</strong> <strong>2020</strong> Brackenhurst sports coach Mieke Coetzee is making it her mission to help young ones to become active in a fun environment. ...at an early age I realised that sometimes you win and sometimes you lose, but you can decide how you react when you lose Her involvement in sports coaching and umpiring at an early age and her subsequent studies in education naturally progressed to the birth of Active Kids Sport Academy (AKSA). “Starting your own business is challenging, but at the same time very rewarding. I very early on realised one will make mistakes and is allowed to take a detour as and when required. “AKSA is still in its formative years, but in the past three years a lot of time has been spent on automation of our back office processes and the compilation of our various programmes. “None would have been possible without the input of various role models, educators, peers and friends. My vision is simple: to see young, confident, self-assured and well-balanced children throughout our society.” Loving life “I love to travel and explore different countries, especially solo travel, which has made me independent. I also love connecting with people from different cultures and backgrounds. “I started au pairing back in 2014 and have been blessed with a great family. Both children are in their teens now. I have learnt a lot when it comes to responsibility and teaching them how to be independent. “I enjoy running half-marathons, playing hockey, netball and hiking over weekends, but when I am not active I enjoy visiting new places in Johannesburg and socialising with friends and family. “All in all, I love my life and up to now, what a life it has been!” Details: Active Kids Sport Academy, 072 288 9808, info@activekidssportacademy.co.za What are the benefits of the programme? Participation in sports creates friendships that last a lifetime. Children gain confidence and learn how to deal with losing and stress and how to cope under pressure. Furthermore, it improves coordination, gross and fine motor skills as well as midline crossing to help with reading and writing. Children learn discipline, teamwork, leadership skills, better hand-eye and foot-eye coordination and improved balance. GIS0403_016_1129139937.indd 16 <strong>2020</strong>/03/12 14:11:36
<strong>April</strong> <strong>2020</strong> Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> 17 GIS0403_016_1129139937.indd 17 <strong>2020</strong>/03/12 14:11:51
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