How Is ICTSG Promoting Traditional Sports and Games Among Youth? Investing in the Next Generation of Cultural Custodians  The International Council of Traditional Sports and Games (ICTSG) recognizes that the future of humanity's intangible cultural heritage lies in the hands of today’s youth. With that in mind, ICTSG has taken concrete, inclusive, and globally scalable steps to ensure young people are not just passive observers—but active participants—in safeguarding Traditional Sports and Games (TSGs). Why Focus on Youth?  TSGs are more than games; they are vessels of cultural identity, values, and history. ICTSG emphasizes youth engagement because:

Youth are key drivers of cultural continuity TSGs promote physical health and teamwork Younger generations can adapt and innovate within traditional frameworks TSG knowledge transfer often occurs intergenerationally

Key Initiatives by ICTSG to Engage Youth 1. Integration of TSGs into School Curricula In partnership with ministries of education and curriculum developers, ICTSG advocates for the structured inclusion of TSGs in both physical education and social studies programs. This includes:

Providing educational toolkits to schools Organizing teacher training sessions Developing age-appropriate games based on local traditions

2. Youth Leadership and Volunteer Programs Through TSG Youth Ambassadors programs, ICTSG empowers students and young professionals to become advocates and organizers of TSG events in their own communities. 3. Intercultural Exchanges and Youth Festivals ICTSG supports international youth camps, virtual meetups, and regional festivals where young people from different countries showcase and learn each other’s traditional games—fostering peace and global citizenship. 4. Digital Platforms and Gamification To speak the language of today’s generation, ICTSG is investing in digital strategies, such as:

Online video tutorials and game guides Interactive TSG quizzes and mobile-friendly learning tools Social media campaigns featuring youth-led initiatives

Partnerships with Youth-Focused Organizations  ICTSG collaborates with:

UNESCO Youth Networks for global engagement Schools and universities to implement field-based research Community NGOs to ensure rural and underrepresented youth are included

Outcomes and Impact Through these efforts, ICTSG has seen measurable outcomes:

Increased youth participation in heritage-based competitions Greater demand for TSG teaching materials in schools Emergence of new youth leaders championing traditional knowledge

How Can You or Your School Participate? Getting involved is simple:

Visit the Education Section of our website Contact us via office@traditionalsportsgames.org to request toolkits Follow ICTSG on LinkedIn for youth-focused updates

Conclusion ICTSG's youth strategy is more than engagement—it's empowerment. By introducing traditional games into the hands of children and adolescents, ICTSG ensures the transmission of ancestral wisdom, community spirit, and holistic well-being. The energy and creativity of young people are the keys to a vibrant and sustainable future for TSGs. 📌 Join us in educating, energizing, and equipping youth for cultural continuity. Learn more at traditionalsportsgames.org