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31 / 03 / 2004
Forum to host demonstrations of more than 30 traditional sports from around the world
People attending the demonstrations will be able to take part in workshop
From May 13 to September 26, visitors to Forum Barcelona 2004 will be able to see demonstrations of more than thirty traditional sports from around the world. Manel Prat, assistant director of communication for the Forum, and Oriol Ripoll, head of the traditional sports program, described in a press conference held today the activities talking place. In the words of Manel Prat, all the sports “are directly or indirectly related to the Forum’s three core themes of sustainability, diversity and peace, and are closely tied up with the players’ beliefs, culture, and way of understanding the world.”
The National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia (INEFC) has contributed decisively to this initiative by providing training, advice, and monitors for each sport. According to Oriol Ripoll, “this initiative will allow immigrant communities in our country to form groups that will continue in existence after the event, so that it will, effectively be a tool to foster the fabric of associations in our society.”
The sports chosen for inclusion in the program are particularly appealing: from Ulama, a Mexican ballgame in which the players have to move a nine-pound ball by hitting it with their hips, to Kabbadi, a game of Hindu origin, where in less then 30 seconds as many players as possible of the opposite team have to be touched, all this while the attackers are holding his breath.
Minority sports practiced in different parts of Spain will also be represented.
Before each session begins, an announcer will explain to the audience the rules and the symbolism or significance of the sport they are about to see. The venue for the demonstrations has capacity for 500 people. After the demonstration, visitors will be able to take part in workshops, where they will learn how to play the different sports.
 Video
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