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Costa Rica’s Role in the UNESCO 4th Consultation Meeting on Traditional Sports and Games Costa Rica took part in the prestigious 4th Collective Consultation Meeting on Traditional Sports and Games (TSG) hosted by UNESCO, held on 13–14 August 2018 at the Sheraton Grand Istanbul Atasehir, Turkey. Mr.Luis Bruzon Delgado representative & signatary from Costa Rica were documented, his participation signified the country's commitment to cultural heritage through traditional sports. The gathering, co-hosted by the Ad-Hoc Advisory Committee and the Ministry of Sports, marked a major step in establishing ICTSG as an independent platform for the promotion and safeguarding of traditional games globally. Full background and participation list can be found here.

Overview of Costa Rica Costa Rica is a Central American country renowned for its rich biodiversity, peaceful governance, and commitment to sustainability. With a strong cultural heritage and vibrant community practices, traditional sports have long played a role in fostering social bonds and promoting physical wellness. Costa Rica's unique location, nestled between the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, provides fertile ground for both ancient and evolving physical traditions.

Geographic Significance of Costa Rica Strategically positioned in Central America, Costa Rica connects North and South America and is bordered by Nicaragua and Panama. Its terrain ranges from coastal plains to lush rainforests and high mountain ranges. This geographic diversity allows for a range of traditional and indigenous sports tied closely to natural settings, often aligning with eco-tourism and rural community practices.

Traditional and Indigenous Sports in Costa Rica

Juego del Trompo (Spinning Top Game) – A centuries-old game where wooden tops are spun using a string. Played widely across Latin America, it teaches skill and patience. Bolas Criollas – Similar to bocce, this game involves precision throwing of balls toward a target. It reflects both Spanish and indigenous influences. Rayuela – A traditional target-throwing game, often involving metal tokens, showcasing Costa Rica’s colonial and rural gaming culture.

These traditional Costa Rican games are part of the cultural fabric, connecting generations and preserving identity through play.

Costa Rica and the Formation of ICTSG Costa Rica's involvement in the UNESCO 2018 meeting in Istanbul emphasized its interest in shaping a global platform to protect intangible cultural heritage through sport. Its presence lent moral support to the founding vision of the International Council of Traditional Sports and Games (ICTSG), reinforcing global South representation and inclusion of Latin America in the emerging TSG movement.

Weather and Climate in Costa Rica Costa Rica features a tropical climate with two main seasons—dry (December to April) and rainy (May to November). Average temperatures range from 21°C to 27°C year-round. This climate fosters outdoor physical activities and has historically contributed to the popularity of traditional games in open-air settings across villages, schools, and community grounds.

Call to Action Preserving Costa Rica’s traditional sports is preserving its soul and community. We invite athletes, educators, policy makers, and culture enthusiasts to support the nation’s journey in safeguarding and promoting these vital traditions through ICTSG. Get Involved   Benefits of Joining   Support ICTSG

About ICTSG: The International Council of Traditional Sports and Games (ICTSG) is dedicated to preserving, promoting, and revitalizing traditional sports and games as powerful tools for education, peace, and sustainable development.

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