DON MARIANO MARCOS MEMORIAL STATE UNIVERSITY

North La Union Campus

Bacnotan, La Union

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

Philippine Traditional Games and Sports

(BEPE 115)

JOEL C. AGULLO
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Content

Lesson 1: History of Philippine Traditional Games and Sports

Lesson 2: Importance, Role and Benefits of Traditional Games and

Sports

Lesson 3: Preservation of Philippine Traditional Games and Sports

Lesson 4: Classification of TGS and Countries and their National

/Traditional Games

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Introduction

This module discusses the history of Philippine Traditional Games and Sports
(Laro ng Lahi) and its meaning. Its benefits and importance to our daily activities in
life. Furthermore, in this module you will learn how to value our traditional games and
sports of country as we preserved our culture.

Objectives

After studying the module, you should be able to:

1. Discuss the history of Philippine Traditional Games and Sports
2. Define the meaning of Laro ng Lahi, Games and Sports
3. Identify the benefit and importance of Laro ng Lahi
4. Discuss the Legal Basis of preserving traditional games and sports.

Directions

There are four (4) lessons in this module. Read and carefully analyze,
differentiate and recognize its lesson as the teacher provides the information to
this subject for you to discuss and identify the given exercises at the end of its
lesson. Suggested readings are also given to this module. Student are
expected to answer and submit the needed activities as instructed by the
teacher.

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Lesson 1

History of Philippine Traditional Games and Sports

Laro ng Lahi

The term "Laro ng Lahi" (Filipino

Indigenous Games) was coined and
popularized by the Samahang Makasining
(Artist Club), Inc. The word "Laro ng Lahi"
was conceptualized by the group and it
was the first act to research and preserve
the Filipino indigenous games like
(syatong, patintero or harangtaga, taguan pong, dama, lusalos, holen butas, tumbang
preso and others).

In 2001, the Samahang Makasining (Artist Club), Inc. made a proposal to

National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) entitled "Laro ng Lahi" to
support and subsidize the three day- actual playing of selected Filipino games. Actual
playing of it, is one of the strategies of SM(AC)I to preserve these indigenous games.

Now, "Laro ng Lahi" is popular with the help of NCCA and being used by the
other Philippine Local Government Unit, other organizations and other institution.
Imparting of these Filipino games to the youth is one of the main objectives of the
organization.

In the book ‘A study of Philippine Games’ (1980), author Mellie Leandicho

Lopez noted that ‘laro’ is the Filipino generic term for all forms of recreational play.
The closest word term for the game is the ‘palaro’ referring to a group of special
occasion games that take place during wakes, festivals and town fiestas. This would
also refer to games that are competitive in nature where each contest is always
brought to a conclusion.

It is also commonly known that games play an important part in the learning
process of the child. This educational influence of games on the physical, mental, and
moral vitality of a child is a factor why games in the country are still being practiced
and observed by the general public.

Larong Pinoy is a Cultural Treasure (Yaman ng Lahi). It is the Games of our

Heritage (Laro ng Lahi). These are the games that our forefathers grew up

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with. Many adults and elders would like to pass on the fun tradition to make the new
generation experience the fun of being truly Filipinos.

The Filipino Games are timeless. It is still well-loved and cherished by many,
as it is part of our heritage. Larong Pinoy’s popularity encompasses not only the youth,
but adult and elderly generation as well. It’s a timeless cultural treasure.

The games are still being played in urban & rural communities, by a majority
population who have no access to high technology. The games are still taught in public
schools.

While Filipino street games have been organized seasonally in the past by
government organization’s and private commercial enterprises, the Games has never
been sustained and revived to its once popular stature. Currently, no government or
private entity has established a legitimate organization for Larong Pinoy. Furthermore,
our country does not have School for Larong Pinoy, unlike sports training clinics that
have propagated for western sports.

Traditional Filipino Games

Traditional games in the

Philippines are games commonly
played by children, usually using
native materials or instruments. In the
Philippines, due to limited resources
of toys of Filipino children, they
usually come up on inventing games
without the need of anything but the
players themselves. With the flexibility
of a real human to think and act
makes the game more interesting and
challenging.

A few decades ago, kids used to gather in the streets or in their neighborhood
playground to play their favorite Larong Pinoy games like piko, patintero, taguan,
tumbang preso, siato, luksong tinik, etc. These has been their regular and popular
pastimes, as well as the favorite games of their parents and grandparents until new
and modern forms of entertainment has taken over the interests of young kids.

The Filipino Games are timeless. It is still well-loved and cherished by many,
as it is part of our heritage. Larong Pinoy’s popularity encompasses not only the youth,
but adult and elderly generation as well. It’s a timeless cultural treasure.

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The games are still being played in urban & rural communities, by a majority population
who have no access to high technology. The games are still taught in public schools.

While Filipino street games have been organized seasonally in the past by government
organization’s and private commercial enterprises, the Games has never been
sustained and revived to its once popular stature. Currently, no government or private
entity has established a legitimate organization for Larong Pinoy. Furthermore, our
country does not have School for Larong Pinoy, unlike sports training clinics that have
propagated for western sports.

Definition of Terms:

Tradition

Tradition is a story or a custom that is memorized and passed down from generation
to generation, originally without the need for a writing system. Tools to aid this process
include poetic devices such as rhyme and alliteration. The stories thus preserved are
also referred to as tradition, or as part of an oral tradition. For example, it is now a
tradition to have a Christmas tree to celebrate Christmas. Although traditions are often
presumed to be ancient, unalterable, and deeply important, they are often much less
"natural" than is often presumed. Many traditions have been deliberately invented for
one reason or another, often to highlight or enhance the importance of a certain
institution. Traditions are also frequently changed to suit the needs of the day, and the
changes quickly become accepted as a part of the ancient tradition.

Traditional sports and games

Traditional sports and games (TSG) can form the backbone of a community, and they
have to be promoted to further community spirit, bring people together and generate
a sense of pride in a society’s cultural roots. Most of the traditional games and sports,
expressions of indigenous cultures and ways of life contributing to the common identity
of humanity, have already disappeared and those that have survived thus far are
threatened with imminent extinction under the combined effect of globalization and the
harmonization of the rich diversity of our world sports heritage. Traditional Sports and
Games have become an added value in terms of cultural comprehension and mutual
tolerance both within the community of nations and between them, thus contributing
to the edification of a culture of Peace. The importance of traditional sports and games
(TSGs) in promoting cultural diversity and protecting cultural identities at local, national
and international levels has already been strongly defended. (“Round table meeting
on traditional sports and games Almaty, 6 November, 2006”)14

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Traditional Game

- It is an activity that has characteristics such as satire, intelligence, mobility

which are found in the folk culture and played collectively in the times when the
feature is limited and the possibility of entertainment is limited.

- Games within a society that people have played for many years, because
participation gives them a chance to practice something that has meaning
within their society.

Distinction of Traditional Games and Traditional Sports

Based on structures and functions of traditional game and modern sports one can
recognizes a variation. These differences between traditional games and modern
sports can be described in terms of what characterizes a game as shown in the table
below.

Characteristics Traditional Games Modern Sports

Organization Informal, local level Formal, institutional, local
to international level
Rules Few, simple and oral Many, elaborate and
written
Skills Simple and common Complex and specialized
Gender of Players Gender specific games; Both gender play same
seldom played together sports, sometimes
together
Procedures No precise boundaries, Define boundaries, time
duration, or number of limits, number of players
players
Equipment Common, low or no cost, Specialized, high cost,
made by players manufactured
Social Control By players in the game Outside officials and
bureaucracy
Social Interaction Model For males: self-testing For both genders,
For females: cooperative competitive
Learning Process Observation and imitation Formal instruction and
coaching
Outcomes Process oriented meaning Results oriented meaning
that the activity itself is that there are clear cut
more important than the winner and losers as
end results. result of play.

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CHARACTERISTICS OF TRADITIONAL GAMES AND SPORTS

As a game is structured playing, undertaken for enjoyment and educational

purposes, it is characterized by rules, challenge and interaction. With respect this
structured play role of game, the following are the characteristics of traditional game:

1. It is locally organized.
2. Have few rules. The rules are not written and enforced.
3. Have few roles or positions for players.
4. Use simple skills.
5. Have participations restricted to either boys or girls.
6. It lacks of precise boundaries or special facilities.
7. Use little or no equipment.
8. It is controlled by players rather than by referee.
9. Give men (boys) the opportunity for competition and self-testing, but give
women (girls) the opportunity to practice cooperation.
10. Utilize the observation and imitation methods of learning rather than any
kind of sophisticated teaching or coaching.

Check your Understanding

During your early age, what traditional game you’ve played most and why?
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Watch & Learn

Visit the links and watch the videos on YouTube for
further understanding about the lesson.
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjcC56fHrFY
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFIR6-HzHB0
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJ7NIZWqEMk
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6aCugwqZJ4
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wf4kewA987A

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LESSON 2

IMPORTANCE AND ROLE OF TRADITIONAL GAMES AND SPORTS

Importance of traditional games and sports

Games and sports are two closely related concepts. Games refer to activities
done for amusement, recreation or fun. Sports on the other hand refer to a physical
activity where individuals or team compete for entertainment purposes.

Games and sports are not only important for success in studio but it is important
for success in every walks of our life. Games and sports include all outdoor and indoor
games and also athletics. In ancient Greece they formed the principal part of
education. Even today, they are a regular feature of the school and college curriculum.

Games and sports may be of various kinds. Apart from school or college sports,
boys and girls may practice races, jumps, discuss throw and javelin throw and thus
pass their afternoon in useful activities.

The importance of games and sports can never be minimized.

1. They are good exercises and help to build fine, physique for the boys and girls. This
make them mentally alert and physically strong. Further, good health is one of the
most important benefit of games and sports.
2. students learn to cope with difficult situations. By displaying their feats before many
spectators, they can overcome their nervousness.
3. games and sports are good diversions and give them energy to learn their lessons
well.
4. games, when played for entertainment, provides the necessary break from the
everyday monotonous life.
5. games and sports help building a sense of cooperation and team-spirit in an
individual. Sports like cricket, football, etc. are won by the collective efforts of all the
members of the team.
6. games and sports played by professional players bring a lot of glory to the nation.
7. games are generally played with specific goal to win. This helps in goal setting.
8. participants learn to follow rules and become more disciplined.

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Value of Games and Sports

Games and Sports are important part our lives. That’s why most of the doctors
advise us to have yoga, exercise, playing games & sports, etc. to be fit.

From our childhood we mainly play various games and sports. We play indoor games
like Chess, Ludo, Carrom Board, cards games, etc., & outdoor games like Cricket,
Football, and Tennis, etc. So there are much more good sides of playing games and
sports.

In our daily life we spend most of our time within the workplace, then go home and
have food & drinks and then go to sleep. Students spend more time reading books
and doing homework for the next day. Women are spending their time within the home
for doing various household works.

When we don’t play games and sports, we really don’t know how badly we are doing
for our health. “All work and no play” may lead to more obesity, sleepless night,
indigestion of foods and lot more problems will create in our body. We should
understand the value of games and sports.

That’s why we need to play some sports and games in our spare time to have one of
the best exercises in the open air.

Open air games and sports give us following:

• Fresh air which contains more oxygen than the air in a confined room,
• Relaxes our body & mind which will help us to increase the concentration of our
mind and
• Improves immunity,
• Develops personality,
• Acquiring leadership qualities, etc.

ROLE OF TRADITIONAL GAMES

The major roles of participation in traditional are:

1. Physical development of the players.

2. Skills training and skills maintenance for adult behavior. Traditional game
play develops physical and cognitive skills, social decorum and respect for
others.
3. The enhancement of the community values about age and gender roles.
4. Create opportunities for interaction within community and between
communities.

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5. Perpetuation of heritage and sense of origin. Traditional game offer

continuity and contextuality of ethnicity. Knowing these games helps in
understanding of ones symbolic, social and physical cultural. Local
communal affiliation patterns such as age-set are reinforced as game
participation helps strengthen long life affiliation.

Check your Understanding

As a future teacher, what is your role in promoting traditional games and

sports as you preserved the Filipino culture?
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BENEFITS OF TRADITIONAL GAMES AND SPORTS

The Benefits of Traditional Sports and Games: What they can Bring to
Children and Youth of Today

• TSG have old cultural roots but can be promoted like something new and
fun
• TSG work in the local context and TSG are visible and practical, in contrast to
Olympic Sport as a global phenomenon.
• TSG take their starting point in local needs and possibilities.
• TSG are heritage, culture and history that are worthwhile to learn about.
• TSG reinforce cultural identities for many participants.
• TSG have health benefits that can be seen as a part of healthy and active
living.
• TSG have a socializing influence to good morals when they emphasizes
fairness, respect for diversity and ability and cooperation in the game.
Participants make their own rules, unlike in sports where judges stand outside
the game and make rules for all.
• TSG, in general, are easy to do - with simple tools and few rules and easy to
facilitate.
• TSG are an activity that can involve all ages playing together. Many games
can be adapted for persons with disabilities.
• The tools to TSG are simple, inexpensive and can be homemade and carried
around easily.

Traditional vs Modern Games and Sports

Traditional games have been passed down from one generation to another and
their origins go back centuries. Whereas modern games usually encompass digital
games and relatively new game inventions. Modern games have their fair share
of cognitive benefits ranging from improved problem-solving skills to spatial navigation
abilities. The digital games also get children better acquainted with technology- a vital
component of modern day living. However, modern games also tend to be isolating,
victory-oriented and in most cases, sedentary. Hence, we feel that it is important to
inject a few traditional games into your playtime to counteract these ‘adverse’ effects
and better optimize the benefits of taking the time off to play!

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Reasons to start playing Traditional games:

1. Remind us of our roots.

Traditional games are often linked to the culture and language of its land of origin.
Hence, the games indirectly inculcate the moral and cultural values that were held
important by the founding tradition and pass this heritage down to those who play
them. This happens in the form of behaviour that is encouraged by the game (the
mindset or actions which best facilitate winning) or even the songs sung whilst playing
(as many comprise of folktales or historical stories). For example, a traditional Indian
game called Pallanguzhi involves distributing seeds into pits on a board to accumulate
as many seeds as possible in your designated pits. This game emphasises sharing
(done strategically of course!), as no player will be able to hoard all the seeds in their
own pits. Even if one attempts to do so, there will always be instances where they will
be forced to distribute/share their seeds to keep the game going. In fact, grandmothers
can often be heard advising their grandchildren to "share to win"! Hence, traditional
games reemphasise the values that were held important by our cultures, allowing us
to better understand our roots, giving us a clearer sense of identity and belonging.

2. Improve interpersonal and social skills.

Several traditional games involve group play (or at least with one other person, as you
couldn’t challenge a computer back then). Hence these games readily encourage
people interaction. Such social interaction greatly benefits child development as it
teaches kids to work well with others when they learn to wait to play their turn and
achieve group victories via teamwork. Perhaps the most important skill that children
pick up is that of emotional literacy. Emotional literacy is the ability to recognize,
understand and express our emotions appropriately. It also involves perceiving others'
emotions. Playing with others improves this skill as children get accustomed to picking
out emotional cues from their friends’ body language and learn to react accordingly.
Kids also learn to better handle their own emotions, as they can readily witness the
effects of their actions within their play circle.

3. Improves physical health.

Many modern games are rather sedentary. Unlike traditional games, which usually
involve a significant level of physical activity (e.g.s Kabaddi and Ghilli). Even
traditional board games seem to have physical benefits! For
example, Pallanguzhi benefits the nerve endings and circulation due to the their usage
of tiny seeds, which require nimble finger movements.

4. Aid in development of mother tongue.

Traditional games tend to involve the usage of the language of their land of origin. This
can be in the form of play songs or even through technical terms that are used during
game play. Either way, children are exposed to their mother tongues when they play
these games, which can aid in increased usage and/or development of this language.

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5. Strengthens social bonds.

Most traditional games tend to be social activities. Unlike most modern games that are
either solitary pursuits or exclusive gatherings of youngsters, due to the complexity of
the games or the skills and technology involved. However, traditional games require
less complex skill sets and basic amenities, making them more inclusive. Therefore,
they encourage interaction with friends and family regardless of age or expertise. Such
interactions allow us to get to know each other better and strengthen social and/or
familial bonds that may otherwise be difficult to establish.

What can we get in playing Larong Lahi

When we are playing traditional Filipino games we are doing many things.

1) Heart and circulatory system: Regular exercise or playing healthy games makes
the heart muscles stronger and more efficient. The heart-beats of an athlete do not
increase appreciably even when doing something requiring physical exertion, and
revert very soon to the normal rate afterwards. In contrast, even a little exertion sends
the pulse rate of a sedentary individual rocketing up, and it takes time for the heart to
settle down to its normal rate of beating. The blood vessels dilate during exercise, and
so more blood reaches the muscles. It has been found that during vigorous or rapid
exercise, the blood circulation in certain muscles and organs increases 25 to 30 times,
thus supplying the muscles and organs with more oxygen and a larger number of red
blood corpuscles.

2) The respiratory system: Breathing becomes not only more rapid, but also deeper,
thus making increased quantities of oxygen available.

3) The musculature: Healthy Games strengthens the muscles, promotes their

development and increases their efficiency. Stronger muscles lend better support to
the joints.

4) The skin: The pores of the skin open up during exercise. The result is a healthier
skin, because of more efficient disposal of impurities and dirt.

5) Temperature of the body: The temperature of the body rises during playing. This
promotes the burning up of the toxic substances in the body.

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LEARNING ACTIVITY

Laro ng Lahi plays an important role in our childhood days. Reflect on how you
develop your skills, talents or even your personal growth in bringing such games into
reality.
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LESSON 3

LEGAL BASIS: PRESERVATION OF TRADITIONAL GAMES AND

SPORTS OF THE PHILIPPINES

Philippine Indigenous Games Preservation Act of 2017 or House Bill 8626

The House of Representatives approved on third and final reading House Bill
8626 or the proposed “Philippine Indigenous Games Preservation Act of 2017” which
seeks to preserve indigenous games to ensure that future generations of Filipinos can
still enjoy them.

The bill, principally authored by Rep. Salvador Belaro (Party-list, 1-Ang

Edukasyon) declares that the State, as enshrined in the Constitution, shall recognize,
respect, and protect the rights of indigenous cultural communities (ICCs) within the
framework of national unity and development.

The State shall take the necessary steps to preserve

the indigenous peoples’ games which serve as the best avenue for self-expression
and promoting peace, harmony, goodwill and camaraderie among them.

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Furthermore, it states that Article 31.1 of the United Nations Declaration on the
Rights of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) enjoins all state signatories to take effective
measures to recognize and protect the exercise of the indigenous peoples’ rights
which include the maintenance, control, and development of their cultural heritage,
traditional knowledge and traditional expression, oral tradition, literature, designs,
sports and traditional games, among others.

The bill seeks to mandate the National Commission for Culture and the Arts
(NCCA), in coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd), to initiate
measures to preserve indigenous games in the country, including 1) their inclusion in
the appropriate part of the curriculum in the basic education system of the schools; 2)
the preservation of such games either by documentary or other useful means; and 3)
the holding of regular demonstration of such games in national events and
appropriate school activities.

Likewise, the NCCA shall conduct research on the various sports traditionally
played by different indigenous groups within the region to ensure the preservation and
development of these games.

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), in coordination with

the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), and the local government units (LGUs),
shall conduct annual regional and national indigenous sports competitions.

The host LGU shall have the prerogative to choose which sports events shall
be included in the regional and national indigenous sports competitions.

As the lead agencies, the NCCA and the DepEd, in coordination with the PSC,
POC and LGUs, shall promulgate the implementing rules and regulations of the Act 60
days after its effectivity.

Belaro said the country is rich in cultural tradition which tends to be slowly
modified by the onslaught of digital modernization.

“Part of our rich cultural heritage are indigenous games such as sepak takraw and the
like,” said Belaro.

Co-authors of the bill include Majority Leader Rolando Andaya, Jr. Minority Leader
Danilo Suarez, Deputy Majority Leader Rodante Marcoleta, Reps. Gus Tambunting,
Ann Hofer, Rhea Vergara, Anthony Bravo, Arnolfo Teves, Rogelio Pacquiao, and
Cheryl Deloso-Montalla, among others. | Eddie Galvez

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GROUPS PROMOTING THE PRESERVATION OF TRADITIONAL GAMES AND

SPORTS

A. Magna Kultura
Magna Kultura, a Philippine based NGO that aims to implement educational,
socio - cultural programs in order to strengthen the Filipino well-being are responsibly
vigilant with regards to the fact that Filipino children nowadays spend they childhood
playtime on Internet cafes or with their handheld game consoles instead of socializing
with other children playing the traditional street games that for years is a culture and
a norm for a typical Filipino child. Magna Kultura is seriously advocating such concern
by holding tournaments and educating the children in their schools all focusing on
traditional Filipino Games. But why do they need to go this far in promoting and
encouraging young children to play the games?

Apparently there is indeed an obvious issue regarding the increase of children

spending their playtime in Internet Cafes and the number of children that still are
playing the traditional games are seen to be going downhill. Instead of the
usual Patintero, Tumbang Preso, Piko, Tago-Taguan, Siato and the like many children
indulge themselves with computer games such as DOTA: Defense of the
Ancients, Counter Strike etc. and those children who are above the middle class are
expected to own at least a PS2, a PSP , an XBox, or a Nintendo DS. As the
researchers have done relevant reading about the matter, the researchers found out
that a lot of bloggers and article writers who are wired on this issue agree that children
nowadays that do not know how to play traditional Filipino games tend to be more laid
back, unconfident, lazy, lack social skills and some claim that they also lack
sportsmanship and have hard time accepting defeat. Having read these people's
opinions and as Filipinos ourselves, it is one of those issues that indeed needs to take
a closer look at .

Filipino games must at

least be seen played by many
children if it won't be possible
anymore that it would be back in
the mainstream , at least that's
what these writers are trying to
tell. They believe (especially
Magna Kultura) that these
games should be preserved not
only because they prefer
Filipino children play these
games as like they did when they were in their childhood but they insist and believe
that these games help the children grow in mind, body and character and it also helps

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instill patriotism and nationality in a child's mind. Aside from significant sentimental
reasons others believe that it should be preserved and thought to the Filipino children
for they think that Filipino games like Tumbang Preso, Sipa, Patintero and others alike
help improve a child's physical and motor skills as well as strategic logic and since
most Filipino Games are team games, teamwork and sportsmanship as well as self
confidence and leadership skills are being emphasized on a child while playing these
games.

B. Pinoy Republic
Pinoy Republic group aims to preserve, revive, enhance all Philippine
traditional games and to promote nationalism, strengthen family ties, involve the
community in worthwhile activities, and keep the children in school through games and
sports. Playing games is also important in part of growing up and in the learning
process of the child because, it enhances the social skills of every child and it also
involves educational influence of games on the physical, mental, emotional, social and
moral vitality of a child.

C. TAFISA

It was in Oslo in 1969, when the first so called ‘Trim and Fitness Conference’
was held with eight participating countries from West Europe. These conferences that
were organized every two years from then on, developed into an unofficial steering
medium for the international Sport for All Movement, and can be rightly considered the
cradle for TAFISA. As the result, TAFISA was founded in Bordeaux in 1991 by 40
countries.

TAFISA has worked hard to become the leading international Sport for All
association over the past 20 years. But there is so much more to be done. Being a
leader implies responsibility, innovation, strength and continuous improvement, and
TAFISA intends to embrace and enhance its position in the global Sport for All
Movement, for the betterment of TAFISA, its members and the Movement itself.
TAFISA’s action plan for the future incorporates both politics and practice. Particularly
in recent years, TAFISA has led an initiative to bring leading international
organizations together to build a new solidarity in Sport for All. In the coming years,
TAFISA will build on this strong start to raise the profile of Sport for All and physical
activity, and place it on the agenda of leading organizations and leading individuals
around the world. TAFISA’s focus will be on creating a truly global platform for
international exchange, debate and cooperation, and strengthen the political voice of
Sport for All and physical activity, so that ultimately, through crosssectoral cooperation,
Sport for All and physical activity will be accessible to all.

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TAFISA also recognizes that its members immediately benefit from the
practical, on-the-ground programs that people around the world can participate in and
enjoy. That is why TAFISA will not lose its focus on providing Sport for All and physical
activity programs which are relevant and in demand. TAFISA will continue to improve
upon its already successful practical programs, and work with its members to make
them accessible to as many global citizens as possible.

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LESSON 4

TYPES OF TRADITIONAL GAMES

According to Cheska (1978) the main categories of traditional games of

physical skill, Games of strategy, Games of chance, Games of memory, Simulation
games, rhythm games and verbal games. Each of these is described in the following.

1.Games of Physical Skills

The outcome is determined by physical and motor skills of the players e.g.
endurance, strength, coordination, agility etc. These games can be divided in four
types:
a. Games that require only physical skills e.g. running a race

b. Games that combine physical skill with strategy e.g. wrestling

a. Games that combine physical skills with rhythm e.g. clapping games

2. Games of Strategy

The game is determined by the success achieved through the rational choices of
the players. Example of the games includes military games such the defense of targets
against attack. This game allows the player to make use of their ingenuity in order to
influence the outcome. Many games of strategy are combined with physical skills;
however, there are two types:

a. Games where element of luck is absent

b. Games of chance where the element of luck is a factor in the outcome.

3. Game of Chance

The outcome is determined by players luck (good or bad). These games

combine luck with physical skills and/or strategy. It is usually played for money or
stakes, in which the winner is determined by a chance event, as by drawing numbers
or throwing dice. The two types of these games are guessing and gambling game.

a. Guessing Game is a game in which the object is to guess some kind of

information, such as a word, a phrase, a title, or the location of an object.
b. Gambling Games is played for stakes in the hope of winning including the
payment of a price for a chance to win a prize.

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4. Games of Memory

The outcome is determined by players ability to remember. This challenge to

memory is usually found combined with verbal game, rhythm games and even physical
skill games.

5. Rhythm Games

The outcomes is determined by players musical skills combined with skills, e.g.
chanting, clapping hands or playing an instruments to provide the beat or cadence for
performance.

6. Simulation Games

The outcome is determined by players ability to copy either one another or

some other person or thing. This type of game is an attempt to simulate the decisions
and processes inherent to some real-world situation. Most of the mechanics are
chosen to reflect what the real-world consequences would be of each player action
and decision. There are three different types of simulation.

a. Mimicry games, where player copy actions, sounds or appearance of people,

objects or animals from their environment.

b. Imitation games, where players copy the skill performance of others, usually
in an effort to become skillful themselves.

c. Dramatic play, where players act out situations and to try different roles.

7. Verbal Games

The outcome is determined by players ability to combine their memory with their
use of words. Verbal games are considered especially important means for practicing
oral skills in those societies where writing has yet to develop. These skills are
extremely important. However, verbal games combine memory and strategy skills.

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LEARNING ACTIVITY

Using the table below, give at least three (3) examples of traditional games
and sports you’ve played during your childhood.

1.Games of Physical 1. 2. 3.
Skills
2.Games of Strategy 1. 2. 3.

3. Game of Chance 1. 2. 3.

4.Games of Memory 1. 2. 3.

5. Rhythm Games 1. 2. 3.

6. Simulation Game 1. 2. 3.

7. Verbal Games 1. 2. 3.

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COUNTRIES AND THEIR NATIONAL GAMES

Any sports which are designated as the national sport of a country either based on
the popularity of the game or based on its historical connection from that country. In
this article, we have listed the national games of many countries. This list is very
useful for competitive examinations like UPSC-prelims, SSC, State Services, NDA,
CDS, and Railways etc.

A game is a structured form of

play which, through casual or
organised participation, aim to
use, maintain or improve physical
ability and skills while providing
enjoyment to the participants,
and in some cases,
entertainment for spectators. Any
sports which are designated as
the national sport of a country either based on the popularity of the game or based on
its historical connect from that country. The national games of the countries are
considered to be important for the country or are significant for their cultural values.

1. Afghanistan

Buzkashi is the national game of Afghanistan which is also known as Kopar, Kupari
and Ulak Tartysh.

National Game: Buzkashi

2. Antigua and Barbuda

It has a very rich culture which is complimented by the rich history. European
sports largely influence the region and among all the sports, Cricket is the most popular
among them. Hence on the basis of popularity, Cricket became national game.

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National Game: Cricket

3. Argentina

Although Argentina well known World’s is one of the best Football playing nation but
Pato is the official national sport since 1953.

National Game: Pato

4. Australia

Australian sports culture is one of the important features of sporting landscape.

Cricket, Australian Rules football, rugby union and horse racing are among the earliest
organised sports in Australia. Among all games, Cricket and Australian Rules
Football (AFL) are taken as national game/ sport not only because of popularity but
also its sporting history.

National Game: Cricket and Australian Rules Football (AFL)

5. Bangladesh

Cricket, Football and Kabaddi are considered as the most popular games in
Bangladesh but Kabaddi is the national game of the country.

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National Game: Kabaddi

6. Barbados

Cricket is considered to be an intrinsic part of the culture of Barbados. Recently,

government has implemented a policy of sports-based tourism. Barbados Cricket
Association is the apex body to govern the cricket locally. Barbados has given famous
cricketers- Sir Garfield Sobers, Sir Everton Weekes, Sir Clyde Walcott and Sir
Frank Worrell.

National Game: Cricket

7. Bermuda

There are varieties of sports played in Bermuda but Cricket is most popular
due to British influence.

National Game: Cricket

8. Bhutan

Archery is the national sport declared by the Kingdom in 1971 when it became
the member of UN. Throughout the history of Bhutan, bow and arrow were an
important means of survival in the highlands during wars and hunts and also it plays a
significant role in their myths and legends. For example- images of gods holding bow
and arrow.

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National Game: Archery

9. Brazil

Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art that is combination of dance and music,

and is marked by deft, tricky movements. It is culturally significant and evolves during
colonial times by slaves. It is popular not only in Brazil but also practices internationally
through computer games and movies.

National Game: Capoeira

10. Bulgaria

Bulgaria is well known for its weightlifter because weightlifters won medals on
almost every big weightlifting and set many world records on championships including
the Olympic Games. The most distinguished weightlifters are Stefan Botev, Nikolay
Peshalov, Demir Demirev and Yoto Yotov.

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National Game: Weightlifting

11. Canada

It has two national games- Ice hockey (In Winter) & Lacrosse (In Summer).
National Sports of Canada Act quotes: "Hockey and Lacrosse to be national sports.
The game commonly known as ice hockey is hereby recognized and declared to be
the national winter sport of Canada and the game commonly known as Lacrosse is
hereby recognized and declared to be the national summer sport of Canada."

National Game: Ice hockey (In Winter) & Lacrosse (In Summer)

12. Chile

Chilean Rodeo is not only traditional sport but also national sport (declared in 1962).

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National Game: Chilean rodeo

13. China

China has not formally declared a national sport but on the basis of popularity
table tennis called as national game.

National Game: Table Tennis

14. Cuba

Cuban sports culture is very influence from the United States of America, hence
among all the sports baseball is very popular among Cuban people.

National Game: Baseball

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15. Czech Republic

Football and Ice Hockey are the two leading sports played in the country but
ice hockey draws more attention because of popularity and professional stability.

National Game: Ice Hockey

16. Dominican Republic

Baseball is the most popular sport in the country. After the United States, it has
the second-highest number of baseball players in Major League Baseball (MLB).

National Game: Baseball

17. England

Soccer is the nation’s most popular sport but Cricket is the national game not
by law but de facto.

National Game: Cricket

18. France

Sports culture is very rich in France that reflected its popularity among French
people and sporting history. Football became de facto national game.

National Game: Football

19. Haiti

National Game: Football

20. Hungary

Water Polo is a national game of Hungary. They are considered the world's top
power in the history of water polo, having won 15 Olympic, 10 World Championship, 5
FINA World League, 8 FINA World Cup and 21 European Championship medals.

National Game: Water Polo

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21. India

The Golden Era of hockey in India was the period from 1928 - 1956 when India
won 6 successive gold medals in the Olympic Games. Now cricket is more popular
than hockey in india.

22. Israel

Football is the most popular sport in Israel. The sport is under the jurisdiction of
the Israel Football Association. It joined the Asian Football Confederation in 1954, but
was booted out in 1974 due to political pressure from Arab world during the Arab–
Israeli conflict.

National Game: Football

23. Italy

Football (Calcio in Italian) is a national sport of Italy and currently the second
most successful football team in World Cup history, after Brazil, having won four FIFA
World Cup championships.

National Game: Football

24. Indonesia

Badminton is the national game from both the participation and spectating
aspect. It has won gold medals in badminton in every Olympic Games since the sport
was first introduced to the Olympics in 1992 except in 2012 Summer Olympics.

National Game: Badminton

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25. Lithuania

Basketball is the only sports which religiously followed by the people after
Catholicism.

National Game: Basketball

26. Iran

Wrestling is regarded as national game due to its long tradition and history.
There are many styles of folk wrestling, from Varzesh-e Pahlavani to Zurkhaneh which
have similarities with modern freestyle wrestling.

National Game: Wrestling

27. Jamaica

Sport is a significant part of Jamaican culture. It is one of the leading countries

in sprinting with the current world record holder for 100m and 200m, Usain Bolt and
the former 100m world record holder, Asafa Powell but on the basis of popularity,
cricket is considered as national game.

National Game: Cricket

28. Japan

Sumo wrestling is considered to be country’s national sport. It is a competitive

full-contact wrestling sport where a rikishi (wrestler) attempts to force another wrestler
out of a circular ring (dohyo) or into touching the ground with anything other than the
soles of his feet. The characters literally mean "striking one another".

National Game: Sumo Wrestling

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29. Malaysia

Sepak Takraw is the national sport of the Malaysia. It is similar to volleyball or

badminton except players cannot use their hands.

National Game: Sepak Takraw

30. Mongolia

There are three national games of Mongolia, known locally as 'the three games-
Mongolian wrestling, archery and horse riding.

National Game: Mongolian wrestling, archery and horse riding.

31. Mauritius

The national sport of Mauritius is Football and became a member of FIFA in

1962 and Confederation of African Football in 1963.

National Game: Football

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32. Mexico

The national game of Mexico is Charrería. It is a competitive event similar to

rodeo and was developed from animal husbandry practices used on the haciendas of
old Mexico.

National Game: Charreria

33. Nepal

Dandi Biyo (similar to Indian Gilli Danda) is played with a stick about two feet
long and a wooden pin about six inches long. The pin is a small wooden stick with
pointed ends.

National Game: Dandi Biyo

34. New Zealand

Rugby union is the national game in New Zealand, and is popular across all
sections of New Zealand society, and many New Zealanders associate it with their
national identity.

National Game: Rugby union

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35. Norway

The national sport of Norway is Cross-country skiing. It is a form of skiing where

skiers rely on their own locomotion to move across snow-covered terrain, rather than
using ski lifts or other forms of assistance.

National Game: Cross-country skiing

36. Pakistan

The National game of Pakistan is Field Hockey.

National Game: Field Hockey

37. Philippines

The National game of Philippines is Arnis. It is the system of Filipino fighting

arts founded by Remy Presas as a self-defense system.

National Game: Arnis

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38. Poland

National Game: Football

39. Peru

Paleta frontón is a Peruvian sport which similar to tennis.

National Game: Paleta Fronton

40. Russia

Chess is the most popular game in Russia but Bandy (form of hockey) is
considered to be national game.

National Game: Bandy

41. Scotland

The national game of Scotland is Golf because of its origin. More than six
centuries ago, the first courses and rule of the game were developed.

National Game: Golf

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42. Serbia

The Football, basketball, volleyball and water polo are the most popular sports
in Serbia but there is no official announcement for national game.

43. Slovenia

The national game of Slovenia is skiing.

National Game: Skiing

44. South Korea

Taekwondo is the national game because it is often claimed to have historical

origins on the Korean peninsula with origins said to have been traced as far back as
the 1st century BCE.

National Game: Tae-kwon-do

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45. SriLanka

The national sport of Sri Lanka is Volleyball. Other popular sports are water
sports, badminton, athletics, football, basketball and tennis.

National Game: Volleyball

46. Switzerland

The National game of Switzerland is Shooting and Gymnastics.

National Game: Shooting and Gymnastics

47. Tajikistan

The national sport of Tajikistan is Gushtigiri (type of wrestling).

National Game: Gushtigiri

48. Turkey

Oil wrestling / grease wrestling is the Turkish national sport. It is so called

because the wrestlers douse themselves with olive oil.

National Game: Oil wrestling

49. USA

The national game of USA is Baseball not by law but through de facto.

National Game: Baseball

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50. Venezuela

The national game of Venezuela is Baseball. It is known to produce some of the

most skilled baseball players in the world for example Luis Aparicio.

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Summative Test

• Briefly discuss the history of Laro ng Lahi and give its importance as to:
a. Physical
b. Emotional
c. Social
d. intellectual
e. Spiritual
• As a future teacher of the new generation, how can you preserve the value
and culture of the indigenous games and sports of our country.

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REFERENCES

Belmonte, Paz Ciela A., et al. “Physical Education Handbook”. Rex Bookstore:856
Nicanor Reyes St.,1977 C.M. Recto Ave. Manila, Philippines. 2000
Jimenez, Gidget Roceles, 2015 All About the Philippines: Stories, Songs, Crafts and
Games for Kids. Tuttle Publishing
Lopez Mellie Leandicho , 1980 A Study of Philippine Games. University of the
Philippines Press
Ravelo, Sofia A. and Beran, Janice A. “Physical Activities for Filipino”. New Day
Publisher: 11 Land St. Vasra, Quezon City.1998
Handbook of Research on Children's Consumption of Digital Media
Gülşah Sarı (Abant Izzet Baysal University, Turkey)
ISBN13: 9781522557333|EISBN13: 9781522557340

https://pinayforeverythingpinoy.blogspot.com/2012/06/pinoy-komiks.html
https://kulturapilipinas.webs.com/about-magna-kultura
https://ncca.gov.ph/about-culture-and-arts/in-focus/traditional-games-in-the-philippines/
https://www.igi-global.com/book/handbook-research-children-consumption-digital/192028
https://www.importantindia.com/2472/importance-of-games-and-sports/
https://www.brainworks.sg/single-post/2015/08/14/5-Reasons-to-Play-Traditional-Games
http://www.congress.gov.ph/press/details.php?pressid=10908&key=Philippine%20Indigenou
s%20Games%20Preservation%20Act%20of%202017
http://senate.gov.ph/lisdata/86027156!.pdf
http://bluecheese.wordpress.com/2009/05/23/filipino-street-games/
http://www.studymode.com/essays/The-Effects-Of-Playing-Defense-Of-580808.html
http://www.inter-disciplinary.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Delos-Reyes-paper1.pdf

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