Topic: 2025-Safeguarding and Promoting Traditional Sports and Games
Country: Panama
Delegate Name: Aidan Jaronik
Delegate: Aidan Jaronik New Prairie High School
Position Paper: Safeguarding and Promoting Traditional Sports and Games
Country: Panama
Committee: United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization
Topic: Safeguarding and Promoting Traditional Sports and Games
Introduction
Traditional sports and games are an essential part of cultural heritage, preserving history,
strengthening community bonds, and promoting national identity. However, modernization and
internationalization have led to the decline of these practices. Many face the risk of being
forgotten due to shifting social trends and the rise of mainstream sports. This position paper
outlines Panama’s concerns, policy stances, and proposed actions to protect and promote
traditional sports and games, ensuring their survival and continued significance in Panamanian
society.
Panama’s Perspective
Panama is deeply committed to preserving its traditional sports and games, recognizing their role
in cultural expression, education, and national pride. Key concerns include:
● Cultural Erosion: Many traditional games and sports are at risk of disappearing due to
the growing popularity of international sports, lack of awareness, and generational shifts.
● Lack of Institutional Support: Without strong policies, funding, and structured
programs, traditional sports struggle to compete with modern athletic trends.
● Limited Media Coverage: Traditional games receive little attention from mainstream
media, making it harder for younger generations to engage with them.
Panama’s Policy Positions
Panama supports a proactive, inclusive approach to revitalizing traditional sports and games. Key
policy positions include:
● Incorporating Traditional Games into Education: Schools should include traditional
games in physical education curricula, teaching younger generations about their cultural
significance.
● Government and Community Support: Strengthening government programs and
community initiatives to preserve and promote these games through local events,
funding, and training programs.
● Media and Digital Promotion: Encouraging media outlets and digital platforms to
highlight traditional games, making them more visible and accessible to the public.
● International Cooperation: Working with other countries and cultural organizations to
exchange knowledge and best practices for safeguarding traditional sports.
Proposed Solutions
To protect and promote traditional sports and games, Panama proposes the following solutions:
1. Legislative Protection: Implement policies that officially recognize and protect
traditional sports as part of Panama’s national heritage, ensuring their continued practice.
2. Cultural Festivals and Competitions: Organize national and regional tournaments
showcasing traditional games, attracting public interest and participation.
3. Funding and Sponsorships: Increase financial support for organizations that teach and
preserve traditional sports, ensuring sustainable development.
4. Training and Knowledge Transfer: Encourage experienced players and elders to pass
down skills and knowledge to younger generations through workshops and mentorship
programs.
5. Digital Archives and Documentation: Create online platforms where rules, history, and
techniques of traditional sports are recorded and shared, making them more accessible to
the public.
Conclusion
Panama is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting traditional sports and games as vital aspects
of its cultural identity. Through education, community engagement, media promotion, and
international collaboration, Panama seeks to ensure that these traditions continue to thrive for
future generations. By integrating them into daily life, Panama strengthens its cultural heritage
while fostering a sense of unity and pride among its people.
