GEORGE TOWN, June 9 — Reconnect with your childhood at the annual George Town Heritage Celebrations next month, and enjoy games from times gone by as well as traditional sports.
The celebration of the 8th anniversary of George Town’s inscription as a Unesco world heritage site is themed “Mai Main! Traditional Games and Sports”.
George Town World Heritage Inc General Manager Dr Ang Ming Chee said the theme was aimed at encouraging the community, especially the younger generation, to appreciate real games instead of virtual ones on tablets and gadgets.
“We hope to celebrate the diversity in games and sports while at the same time learn about teamwork and strategy,” she said.
She said the focus on traditional games and sports will emphasise on the fun factor of Malaysia’s own cultural games and activities.
“Cultural heritage can be fun. We learn to appreciate both the tangible and intangible part of cultural heritage through the process of playing,” she added.
The heritage celebrations are spread out over three days starting from July 7, when introductory classes for yoga and tai chi will be held. There are also classes for nillaikalakki silambam and silat kapi on July 8 and 9 respectively.
On July 8, there will be an evening of talks, dubbed “Sepatah Conversation”, about traditional games and sports where the challenges and issues of these games will be discussed by experts in the field.
The celebrations will culminate in a StreetFest on July 9 from 6pm onwards all around the Armenian Street, Acheh Street and Ah Quee Street enclave.
There will be 23 games workshops located all over the enclave, where traditional games such as sepak raga, batu tough, congkak, pallangguli, sottangal, kola kolaya, kali to, hopscotch, guli, gasing and skipping ropes will feature.
On top of the games workshops, there will be lion dance, nillaikalakki silambam, wushu, chingay, silat gayong and kikkli performances at the two main stages set up at Armenian Street and Chulia Street.
Those interested to join the classes and talk will need to register with GTWHI prior to the event. Find out more at www.heritagecelebrations.info or email to mailto:[email protected].
