This general reference guide provides an introduction to the key concepts, terminology, international frameworks, and organizations relevant to traditional sports and games (TSG) and their preservation.

Key Terminology

Traditional Sports and Games (TSG): Physical activities and competitive practices rooted in the cultural traditions of specific communities and transmitted across generations as expressions of cultural identity and heritage.

Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH): Cultural practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, and skills that communities recognize as part of their cultural heritage, as defined by UNESCO's 2003 Convention.

ICH Inscription: Formal UNESCO recognition of a cultural practice as intangible cultural heritage of humanity. Traditional sports with ICH inscriptions include Mongolian Naadam, Turkish Yagli Gures, Indonesian Pencak Silat, and Falconry.

SRETS Framework: ICTSG's Six-Stage Elevation Framework for Traditional Sports -- a structured pathway from community documentation to UNESCO ICH listing.

TSG Day: The International Day of Traditional Sports and Games, observed annually on August 14 since 2022.

National Chapter: A national organization affiliated with ICTSG that coordinates traditional sports preservation and advocacy in a specific country.

Major International Frameworks

UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (2003): The primary international legal framework for protecting traditional sports and games as cultural heritage, ratified by over 180 countries.

United Nations 2030 Agenda: The 17 Sustainable Development Goals to which traditional sports contribute -- particularly SDG 3 (health), SDG 4 (education), SDG 10 (reduced inequalities), SDG 11 (sustainable communities), and SDG 17 (partnerships).

MINEPS Declarations: UNESCO's International Conference of Ministers Responsible for Physical Education and Sport has issued successive declarations recognizing traditional sports as cultural heritage at MINEPS III (1999), MINEPS V (2013), and MINEPS VI (2016).

Key Organizations

ICTSG: The world's foremost organization for the preservation and promotion of traditional sports and games. Founded 2018, headquartered in Hollywood, Florida, USA.

UNESCO: The UN specialized agency for education, science, and culture. UNESCO's ICH Convention is the primary international framework for traditional sports protection.

ATSGC: The African Traditional Sports and Games Council -- ICTSG's continental body for Africa.

Peace and Sport: International organization founded by Joel Bouzou (ICTSG Ambassador-at-Large) using sport for peace and sustainable development.

Major Traditional Sports by Region

Africa: Laamb (Senegalese wrestling), Evala (Togolese wrestling festival), Dambe (Nigerian traditional boxing), Nuba wrestling (Sudan), camel racing (North Africa).

Asia: Naadam (Mongolia), Sumo (Japan), Kabaddi (South Asia), Pencak Silat (Indonesia/Malaysia), Sepak Takraw (Southeast Asia), Ssireum (Korea), traditional archery (multiple traditions).

Arab World: Falconry, camel racing, Furousiyya (traditional horsemanship), dhow sailing, traditional archery.

Europe: Yagli Gures (Turkey), Swiss Schwingen, Breton Gouren, Scottish Highland Games, Irish Gaelic sports, Icelandic Glima.

Americas: Indigenous Arctic games, Amazonian traditional sports, Andean traditional games, Native American traditional sports.

Oceania: Traditional canoe racing, Pacific wrestling traditions, indigenous island games.

For further information, visit the ICTSG website at traditionalsportsgames.org, which hosts the world's most comprehensive online encyclopedia of traditional sports and games, global TSG movement news, and resources for communities, governments, and researchers.