What Are the Main Activities of ICTSG? The International Council of Traditional Sports and Games (ICTSG) is a global platform dedicated to preserving, promoting, and revitalizing traditional sports and games (TSGs). With a multi-sectoral approach, ICTSG leads a wide array of initiatives and events across continents. These activities range from academic conferences to cultural festivals, all grounded in the principles of education, inclusivity, and heritage preservation. 1. International Conferences and Forums: ICTSG regularly hosts and supports high-level global events that bring together policy makers, scholars, cultural practitioners, and athletes. These conferences:

Address critical issues in TSG preservation and innovation Foster cross-cultural dialogue and knowledge exchange Promote the role of TSGs in peace-building, education, and sustainable development

Examples include side events during UNESCO's Member States forums, international TSG symposiums, and regional policy roundtables. 2. Cultural Festivals and Demonstration Events: To celebrate the diversity of global heritage, ICTSG organizes and supports traditional sports festivals, which feature:

Live demonstrations of traditional sports and games Artisan showcases, folklore performances, and storytelling Public participation and community engagement activities

These festivals often coincide with national heritage weeks, international days of recognition (such as International Day of Traditional Sports and Games on August 14), or major sporting events. 3. Educational Programs and Capacity Building: ICTSG invests in developing educational initiatives that integrate TSGs into curricula and physical education training. Key focus areas include:

TSG-inclusive lesson plans and school programs Workshops for physical educators, coaches, and youth leaders TSG leadership and policy training for cultural stakeholders

These initiatives are guided by UNESCO’s education and culture strategies, ensuring relevance and impact in formal and informal learning settings. 4. Documentation and Digital Archives: ICTSG spearheads extensive documentation efforts to preserve endangered sports and games through:

Video recordings, interviews, and ethnographic studies Online TSG databases with descriptions, rules, and history Collaboration with universities and cultural institutions

Visit the ICTSG Knowledge Base for access to TSG profiles from across the globe. 5. National Program Support and Policy Advisory ICTSG offers technical and strategic support to national governments and NGOs seeking to integrate TSGs into policy and development agendas. This includes:

Assisting in drafting national TSG charters and legislation Advisory on safeguarding TSGs under UNESCO's heritage framework Designing country-specific education and sport action plans

Such services are delivered through partnerships, consultations, and institutional agreements with ministries and sports federations. 6. Media and Awareness Campaigns  To raise visibility and public engagement, ICTSG leads global media efforts, such as:

Social media outreach and video campaigns Online newsletters and publications Collaborations with broadcasters and digital platforms

These campaigns highlight the relevance of traditional sports in today’s world and showcase youth involvement, gender inclusion, and innovation. 7. International Partnerships and Collaborations ICTSG actively works with a network of:

International sports organizations and federations UNESCO National Commissions and cultural bodies Academic and research centers

These partnerships strengthen its mission by enabling joint initiatives, knowledge exchange, and wider implementation of TSG-related programs. The activities of ICTSG reflect a broad, dynamic, and purposeful strategy to revive and sustain Traditional Sports and Games globally. From policy advocacy to grassroots celebration, every initiative is built on the belief that TSGs are living expressions of humanity’s shared heritage. By participating in or supporting ICTSG’s work, individuals and institutions contribute to a more inclusive, diverse, and culturally enriched world. Explore more or get involved at traditionalsportsgames.org