Globalisation has brought many positives to the world of today, including increased access to resources, shared appreciation for global politics, sports and entertainment, and easier communication between families, friends, colleagues and leaders across the globe. However, it is also threatening the existence of distinct cultures and causing us to forget, or even ignore, our diverse heritage. Most linguists agree that if no action is taken, half of the over 6,000 languages spoken today will disappear by the end of the century, if not by 20501. Traditions that have lasted centuries are disappearing with older generations, or are being quashed by a need to ‘fit in’ with widely accepted norms because of migration and other social pressures. The need for consistency is outweighing the appreciation for what is unique. Within sports, an interesting paradox is emerging. As the standardisation of rules and regulations in sport so that people from around the world can play together and compete on even ground increases, so does the disappearance of myriad varieties of sports and games which can attract more people toward activity. [1] Source: Wurm, Stephen A. Atlas of the World‘s Languages in Danger of Disappearing. UNESCO, 2001
To make a change, the global SAPA Movement must:
Gerlev Play Park
#Play #ActiveCities #Communities #SocialInclusion
The community of Gerlev has a 30,000 m2 park that is designed to experience and experiment with the playful movement culture. The park is divided into different thematic sections that invite different types of activities. Some areas are designed to experience specific types of traditional play culture, whereas others consist of composed or wild environments that invite free and creative play. In the Playpark you can experience thousands of years of children's and adult's play culture. Gerlev Centre for Play and Movement is a division of Gerlev Sports Academy. www.gerlevlegepark.dk/the-playpark
Contact: Skælskør Landevej 26 4200 Slagelse, Denmark +45 58584065legeparken@gerlev.dk
International Festival of Traditional Games and Food
For 20 years, My Catracha Land Association of San Marcos in Santa Barbara, Honduras has organised the International Festival of Traditional Games and Food for families and communities of San Marcos. Delegations from Latin American countries participate and exchange traditions and knowledge in the field of Traditional Sport and Games, through try out sessions, demonstrations and clinics. Throughout the year, school children participate in technical workshops where they learn how to build games such as “baleros”, “trompos”, “papeletas”, etc. Under the logo of “The Festival entrance is allowed to all kids under 110 years old” the Festival has become a well-known event in Honduras and has received the recognition from the National Parliament. www.facebook.com/juegostradicionaleshn/
Contact: Nelson Medina Puerto Festival coordinatornelsonmedinapuerto@yahoo.com +50 498438569
TAFISA World Sport for All Games
#Play #ActiveCities #Communities
The TAFISA World Sport for All Games is a week-long spectacular display of colour, dance, sports, culture, peace, friendship and fun. The Games festival offers a voyage of discovery around the globe, as delegations from every corner of the world showcase their Traditional Sports and Games (TSG) and unique and interesting modern sports, as well as participate in international championships. The TAFISA World Sport for All Games’ typically attracts up to 50,000 participants and visitors from up to 100 countries and has often been under the patronage of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and United Nations Educational, Science and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). The Games typically include demonstrations, friendly competitions, cultural events, shows, conferences and expos that support the objective of promoting Sport for All and safeguarding Traditional Sport and Games. It is supported by a national organisation in each host country. www.tafisa.org/tafisa-world-sport-for-all-games
Contact: TAFISA Officeinfo@tafisa.org +49 (0)69973935990
c/o Commerzbank / Filiale Höchst Hostatostraße 2 D-65929 Frankfurt am Main Germany Email: info@tafisa.org Tel: +49 (0) 69 973 935 990 Fax: +49 (0) 69 973 935 995
