A group of young gymnasts bend their torsos to the beat of the music, clapping and spinning in unison. The ‘discy dance’ is a new national pastime in a country feverishly approaching the FIFA World Cup 2010, which kicks off in South Africa next week.

Approximately 300 children have gathered for a UN Children’s Fund-supported day-long sporting festival at the stadium in the centre of Huhundi, a large township. The community of some 40,000 sits on the outskirts of Vryberg, a rural farming town in North West Province.

The sport festival is one of 21 such events that have been taking place since May – and will continue through July – in some of the most remote and impoverished parts of South Africa. As part of a sport-for-development programme – organised by UNICEF and the Ministry of Education – the festivals give communities an opportunity to showcase their sporting talents and celebrate the World Cup in their own areas.

Among the young people gathered for a series of football and netball tournaments in Huhundi is Ronald Rapelong, 15, who dreams of becoming a professional footballer. Ronald lost his parents a year ago and now lives with his aunt.

“I am very excited that so many of the big football stars will be in our country,” he says. “They are an inspiration to us.”

University student Barbara Sarachera, 22 – who is a mentor to many of the young girls in Huhundi -- sport is an important way to keep children busy and out of trouble.

“Where would they be right now if it was not for this event?” she asks, referring to the township’s festival. “At home they are mischievous. For example, teenage pregnancy is very high right now especially in this community. They also drink alcohol and do drugs.

“So this is something to keep kids busy and it gets them active as they grow older and discover their talents.”

Most of these young people will watch the FIFA World Cup 2010 matches on television, but they are excited and proud to know that their heroes will be in South Africa for the biggest football event on the planet. This knowledge fuels their own ambition that, with more practice and time, they too can succeed – both on the football field and in life.