2nd TAFISA European Sport for All Games Open with Fanfare in Perugia, Italy

Perugia and the region of Umbria are bustling with life as the 2nd TAFISA European Sport for All Games have just started in the heart of the Italian city. More than 40 sports from 20 countries are represented by teams demonstrating their Traditional Sports and Games in Perugia as well as the cities of Acquasparta, Toldi and Gualda Tadino, offering an international show of cultural diversity.

Saturday 24 September kicked off with delegations taking to the Santa Giuliana stadium as well as the historic city centre of Perugia where they performed and introduced their Traditional Sports and Games to curious passersby.

From Polish Pierścieniówka ("ringnetball") to Gaelic traditional sports, Tug of War, Field Archery, and Hungarian Whip Cracking among many others, locals and tourists had a unique opportunity to play sports and games from all over Europe and experience the cultures and traditions form other countries. 

While the streets were host to performances and demonstrations, the nearby Sala Ex Borsa Merci of the Centro Galeazzi was host to an exceptional exhibition showcasing Olympic Torches throughout history, organised by CONI, CONI Umbria, and FIGeST, with the support of Perugia Mayor Andrea Romizi and councillor Clara Pastorelli. 

The day concluded with the Games' Opening Ceremony in the Palasport Pellini where the delegations were called one by one to the sound of a live orchestra. 

FIGeST President Enzo Casadidio stated "Traditional Sports and Games represent true being together, they are a great chance to meet and stay together in one of the best ways"

TAFISA Presdient Wolfgang Baumann thanked FIGeST for hosting the Games and expressed his gratitude to CONI, the European Union, and the city of Perugia for their support, as well as the delegations for coming to Italy to share their traditions and cultures. He confirmed "Traditional Sports and Games are very much alive, this is the message of today!". 

The night concluded with the Orchestra playing Beethoven's Ode to Joy as a symbol of European unity and peace, before closing with the Italian anthem. 

The historic centre of Perugia and the Perugia stadium welcomed delegations again on Sunday 25 where they could further spread the joy of playing their Traditional Sports and Games with the local and international audience. In the next few days, the cities of Acquasparta, Toldi and Gualda Tadino will become the teams' stage to share their cultures with more people in the region. 

For more information, please visit the website: https://www.eufesttsg.eu