Positions Open with Vietnam Chapter 1. Chapter President for VietnamApply Now 2. General Secretary for VietnamApply Now 3. Information & Communications Lead for VietnamApply Now Pre‑Qualification Checklist Benefits & Perks Responsibilities

Overview of Vietnam Chapter Straddling Southeast Asia, Vietnam’s diverse geography—from lush Mekong Delta and rice terraces to historic imperial cities—offers rich cultural and sporting traditions. Vietnamese traditional sports reflect communal heritage, regional festivals, and strong community bonds, making Vietnam a thought‑leader in shaping ICTSG’s mission. Geographic & Cultural Significance Nestled along the South China Sea, Vietnam’s geography supports seasonal games—boat racing in the Mekong Delta during harvest festivals, tug of war (kéo co) in the Red River Delta in spring, and bamboo‑jack games in rural highlands. Traditional sports are woven into the rural‑urban tapestry and remain central to communal identity. Vietnam’s Role in ICTSG  Vietnam’s  advocated merging UNESCO‑recognized intangible heritage (e.g., tug of war, Bài Chòi singing) into ICTSG’s framework, ensuring these living traditions are preserved globally. Their efforts helped build ICTSG’s governance model, community standards, and cultural programming strategies. Key Traditional & Indigenous Sports of Vietnam

Kéo co (Tug of War): A UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, played in villages throughout North & Central Vietnam—symbolizes unity, strength, and communal spirit  Ô ăn quan (Mandarin Square / Vietnamese mancala): Strategic board game played across the country since ancient times  Bài Chòi: Folkloric card‑singing game recognized by UNESCO, blending music, poetry, and play during Tet and harvest festivals  Ghe Ngo (Boat Racing): Traditional boat races in the Mekong Delta’s Khmer‑Vietnamese communities, energizing festival celebrations  Binh Dinh martial arts: Rich regional martial style currently being prepared for UNESCO intangible heritage nomination  Đẩy gậy (Stick pushing): Spring festival sport promoting balance, coordination, and communal participation

Weather & Climate Conditions Vietnam’s climate varies from tropical in the south to temperate in the north. This seasonality shapes traditional sport calendars: boat races during the wet April–October season, tug of war and stick‑pushing in spring, and indoor cultural games during cooler months. Organizers leverage this timing to align with community festivals, harvests, and national celebrations, ensuring maximum engagement. UN SDG Alignment Vietnam’s TSG promote United Nations Sustainable Development Goals including: Goal 3 (Good Health & Well‑being)—through physical activity; Goal 4 (Quality Education)—via cultural education programs in schools; Goal 11 (Sustainable Communities)—by reinforcing traditional knowledge and community cohesion. Historical Impact & Legacy Vietnam’s traditional sports have endured centuries—from monarchical court entertainment to rural festivity—preserving social values and intergenerational wisdom. Through the 2018 Istanbul meeting, Vietnam’s delegates highlighted how games like Bài Chòi and Ô ăn Quan connect modern youth with ancestral heritage, reinforcing ICTSG’s vision of safeguarding living culture for future generations. Indigenous Games Explained

1. Kéo co (Tug of War) A heritage-rich game where two teams pull a rope, often held alongside temple festivals—taught to children to foster teamwork and strength. UNESCO‑listed in 2015   2. Ô ăn quan (Mandarin Square) A strategic mancala-style game; using pebbles and pits representing rice fields and mandarins, believed to have originated centuries ago. Taught through intergenerational practice  3. Bài Chòi A fusion of lyricism, performance, and gameplay during Tet—played in bamboo huts with music and poetry. Recognized by UNESCO in 2017  4. Ghe Ngo Racing Boat contests in the Mekong, part of festival traditions, with teams racing wooden boats powered by paddles—celebrates physical coordination and local identity   5. Đẩy gậy A rural spring sport where two opponents push each other’s bamboo pole—honoring balance, fairness, and athleticism  6. Binh Dinh Martial Arts A robust regional fighting tradition from Central Vietnam, blending form, technique, and philosophy—currently under UNESCO inscription consideration

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