By: Mohamed Abu Conteh
The Secretary General Union of African Traditional Sports and Games (UATSG), Chief Michael Shamsu Mustapha on 15th August 2023 joined the world to celebrate International Day for Traditional Sports and Games.
Sports, culture and tradition; every year the global community comes together to commemorate all three on the International Day of Traditional Sports and Games, from festivals to seminars on the 14th of August, celebrations are held universally to recognize the importance of the promotion and safeguarding of traditional sports and games.
According to Shamsu Mustapha, traditional sports and games hold a special place in the hearts of communities worldwide, not only as a source of recreation but also as a means of cultural preservation. Whilst offering a unique window into the customs, values, and history of various societies; they carry with them a sense of identity and continuity that can strengthen the bond between generations.
“14th August is a great day in the global sport calendar as it marks the celebration of the International Day for Traditional Sports and Games (TSG),” he said.
He added: “This day is celebrated across the African continent and beyond and is used to reflect on the progress and challenges that the continent and individual Member States are confronted with in the midst of safeguarding and promoting our indigenous games.”
The UATSG’s Scribe underscored that during the 1st Ministers of Sports and Senior Sports Officials of Governments conference in 2018 in Istanbul on TSG, it was agreed that 14th August be recognized as the International Day for Traditional Sports and Games. “The ultimate goal is that the world will celebrate this day to remind us of our true identity and reveal the power of traditional sports to help build resilient and far-reaching communities,” he noted.
“Many governments and member associations embraced a decision to celebrate this important day with cultural activities and media engagement to create more attention thus induces governments and people around Africa, to see the need to promote and protect what is truly ours as Africans. UATSG is committed to preserving the culture and values we inherited from our ancestors and this serve as a fountain on which we help to promote and maintain stability, unity and prosperity in Africa.”
He highlighted that the goals of UATSG are to document and promote African traditional sports and games, create a platform to stimulate pride driven by our people, contribute to the united efforts for decolonization and regeneration of the African continent.
“We as an organization are committed to using traditional games as a tool for promoting integration, unity and peace around Africa. I want to thank the Government and people of Sierra Leone for supporting the establishment of our secretariat in Sierra Leone, and also our partners – UNESCO, African Union Commission and ECOWAS for their unwavering support”, he said.
“As we celebrate this day, let us take a moment to reflect on the positive indicators that bind us together as Africans, unlike the obvious issues that lead to division which serves as a bedrock for violence and instability. Let the celebrations serve as an opportunity to support social cohesion and peaceful coexistence.”
“We continue to call for peace and tolerance in our continent and let the true spirit of our traditional games bring unity, prosperity and love. The Africa we want. Happy celebrations everyone and make this day count,” Chief Shamsu concludes.