Traditional sports and games (TSG) refer to sports, games or activities inherent to various indigenous cultural communities that reflect the rich cultural heritage, traditions, and customs handed down from generations to generation that have become part of a community’s way of life. A key component of universal cultural heritage, TSG remain intertwined into the daily lives of Indigenous peoples, supplementing each community’s unique identity. They can include dances, ball games, water sports, mud sports, hand sports, martial arts games and board games engaged in individually or as teams, participation is often for fun and not competition. TSG represent a past that in inimitable and often in danger of being forgotten. Those that have survived are threatened due to the globalization and harmonization of the world’s sports. It is also important to note that many modern sports evolved from TSG, such as martial arts, archery, wrestling, boa racing, and various sports from different countries.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is working to protect and to promote TSG throughout the world with a view towards furthering community spirit, bringing people together, and instilling a sense of pride in cultural roots. TSG are vital to promoting diversity and to protecting cultural identities and legacies at the local, national and international levels.