By Arfang M.S Camara
The Gambia Association of Traditional Sports and Games (GATSG) has joined the International Council of Traditional Sports and Games (ICTSG) and the Union of African Traditional Sports and Games (UATSG) to celebrate the International Day of Traditional Sports and Games which is celebrated annually on the 14th of August.
The Gambia Association of Traditional Sports and Games (GATSG) is a legitimate member of the International Council of Traditional Sports and Games and the Union of African Traditional Sports and Games.
In a letter sent to our sports desk from The Gambia Association of Traditional Sports and Games (GATSG) stated that celebrating the International Day of Traditional Sports and Games, helps to reecho the importance of the revival of Traditional Sports and Games.
The release added that traditional sports and games contribute to a life of mutual understanding and peaceful behavior among different cultural and social groups, communities, and nations.
“Traditional games are leisure and recreational activities that can have a formalized character. They are a universal heritage and are practiced in an individual or team manner and thus promote global health and peace.”
“Over the years, many traditional sports and games have disappeared and to ensure the significance of traditional sports and games, they must be strengthened and the opportunity for practicing them must be held open for all, regardless of gender, religion, ability, or social background in sports and traditional games.”
According to the association, they are determined to promote the stability of the existing diversity of elite sports, with traditional sports and games. It added that the association (GATSG) under the presidency of Sheriffo Kanuteh (who also doubles as the Focal person for West Africa), wishes to inform its Stakeholders and the General Public that the Gambia will be hosting the first Union of African Traditional Sports and Games (UATSG) conference slated for October 2022.
“Over twenty African countries will be represented at this conference in which the logistical, technical, and financial guidelines will be presented, discussed, and adopted by all member states to have synchronized ways of administering the African Traditional Sports and Games.”
“The Gambia Association of Traditional Sports and Games (GATSG) is committed to working hand in glove with its stakeholders, the Government of the Gambia, National Sports Council (NSC), GNOC, UNESCO, NGOs, and all other relevant authorities to successfully host the first UATSG and implement the outcome through the appropriate institutions
Meanwhile, the 1st African Traditional Games are scheduled for 2023.
