Sports and the Nuba
Sport in the Nubian Culture is as old as human
civilization itself; representations of sporting activity in temples, pyramids,
huts and caves provide witness to this day. Drawings and Texts found on the
latter depict every day activities, including imagery relating to racing, play,
wrestling, hunting, farming, building and fighting.
The name 'Nubian' appeared in religious texts dating from the 8th and 15th century AD. The people were known for their celebration of physical activity within the natural environment, strong physiques as well as cultural sophistication and historical achievements. Sculptural and pictorial representations of athletic events, found in Nubian temples and tombs (dated between 25,000 and 10,000BC), might be suggested to have influenced the development of Greek Olympic games, as a consequence of 'forced' cultural exportation. (IMAGERY- Greek and Nubian image of crocodile wrestling).
Nubians excelled in all human activities in science, geography, mathematics, astrology, as well as the cultural centrality of sport as an agent promoting both national and social unification.
Sporting games and competition were seen as essential in the preparation of young people for life. One of these arts have not just shaped the life of individual members of the community, but have provided a source of harmonious interaction throughout the whole region of South Kordofan for generations in both time of peace and conflict.
Playing is a very important and crucial part of daily routine.
Nuba wrestling is a well known as a sport; it is traditionally embedded in their culture.
Children were encouraged to practice from an early age, therefore they developed strong bodies and the ability to abide by rules, the also learnt to race, ride horses, camels and go hunting.
Many of these activities are now very restricted due to both negative environmental changes and the devastating effects of ongoing conflicts in the region, which have led to displacement of entire communities and disruption of the former community based life styles of individuals.
Traditionally a competition would sometimes mark a ritual ceremony, such as: 'siber', a coming of age, group, bonding ceremony; Community Events, or a Harvest festival, or even a part of a wedding ceremony. Preparations involved ceremonies whereby villagers selected their representatives; this was an ongoing process throughout the year.
When the day was set, fans began a campaign to boost support and increase the popularity of their group’s competitors.
Wrestlers entered a boot camp which might last for weeks, depending on the match and how significant it was to them, special nutrition provided and training. Carnival and many sorts of entertainment accompanied the games, songs, dances etc.
The winner gains a trophy, lots of gifts and great kudos.
THE SPORT PROJECT
Aims to re-invest the rich Nubian cultural tradition embodied in competitive games as described above(which in the past provided a unifying social cement); within a contemporary internationally prominent sport - Football; utilising the same discipline, commitment to physical and mental training and the necessity for cooperative interaction - team spirit, social reward and development of self confidence and leadership skills.
All the latter out of the context of bleak 'Yida'- refugee camps - where currently, one of the few choices available to the young for action, providing any kind of change in their lives, lies in signing up to one of the multiple warring parties/gangs, currently bringing devastation to the region; The later had previously been both harmonious and fruitful, producing two thirds of the annual agricultural production for the whole of Sudan.
An Investment in people, restoring the spirit of cooperation and in time the food basket of Sudan.
The name 'Nubian' appeared in religious texts dating from the 8th and 15th century AD. The people were known for their celebration of physical activity within the natural environment, strong physiques as well as cultural sophistication and historical achievements. Sculptural and pictorial representations of athletic events, found in Nubian temples and tombs (dated between 25,000 and 10,000BC), might be suggested to have influenced the development of Greek Olympic games, as a consequence of 'forced' cultural exportation. (IMAGERY- Greek and Nubian image of crocodile wrestling).
Nubians excelled in all human activities in science, geography, mathematics, astrology, as well as the cultural centrality of sport as an agent promoting both national and social unification.
Sporting games and competition were seen as essential in the preparation of young people for life. One of these arts have not just shaped the life of individual members of the community, but have provided a source of harmonious interaction throughout the whole region of South Kordofan for generations in both time of peace and conflict.
Playing is a very important and crucial part of daily routine.
Nuba wrestling is a well known as a sport; it is traditionally embedded in their culture.
Children were encouraged to practice from an early age, therefore they developed strong bodies and the ability to abide by rules, the also learnt to race, ride horses, camels and go hunting.
Many of these activities are now very restricted due to both negative environmental changes and the devastating effects of ongoing conflicts in the region, which have led to displacement of entire communities and disruption of the former community based life styles of individuals.
Traditionally a competition would sometimes mark a ritual ceremony, such as: 'siber', a coming of age, group, bonding ceremony; Community Events, or a Harvest festival, or even a part of a wedding ceremony. Preparations involved ceremonies whereby villagers selected their representatives; this was an ongoing process throughout the year.
When the day was set, fans began a campaign to boost support and increase the popularity of their group’s competitors.
Wrestlers entered a boot camp which might last for weeks, depending on the match and how significant it was to them, special nutrition provided and training. Carnival and many sorts of entertainment accompanied the games, songs, dances etc.
The winner gains a trophy, lots of gifts and great kudos.
THE SPORT PROJECT
Aims to re-invest the rich Nubian cultural tradition embodied in competitive games as described above(which in the past provided a unifying social cement); within a contemporary internationally prominent sport - Football; utilising the same discipline, commitment to physical and mental training and the necessity for cooperative interaction - team spirit, social reward and development of self confidence and leadership skills.
All the latter out of the context of bleak 'Yida'- refugee camps - where currently, one of the few choices available to the young for action, providing any kind of change in their lives, lies in signing up to one of the multiple warring parties/gangs, currently bringing devastation to the region; The later had previously been both harmonious and fruitful, producing two thirds of the annual agricultural production for the whole of Sudan.
An Investment in people, restoring the spirit of cooperation and in time the food basket of Sudan.