Welcome to the Jungle Games!

On November 5th,  the 11th  Indigenous People's Competition has finally started! 

The  Competition is considered one of the biggest sports events celebrating the culture and tradition of American Indigenous groups.

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The 11th edition of the Indigenous Games began this Saturday (5) in Porto Nacional (Tocantins). The games are considered one of the biggest sports events of cultural and traditional American Indian.

The aim is to promote the sport as a social identity tool,  promoting  the indigenous citizenship, integration and the original values​​.

This year, the program will be divided into two themes. The first is aimed at the Indigenous Social Forum and the Rio +20, with a focus on International Environmental Conference and discussions on the green economy, and issues related to sustainability and preservation of indigenous traditions. The second is the exchange of sports and cultural ethnicities and debate proposals on the inclusion of indigenous heritage in the 2014 World Cup and Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in 2016.

Do you know what sports are played during the Games?

Archery, tug of war,canoeing, athletics, Race with log, Xikunahity (It is a kind of football, but one can only kick the ball using the head. It is a sport traditionally practiced by indigenous groups Paresi Salumi, Irantxe,and Enawenê Mamaidê-Nawê in Mato Grosso. It is played by two teams that may have eight, ten or more players and a captain. It is played on clay courts, so that the ball  gains momentum and speed.), football, javelin throw, wrestling, swimming, blowgun and rokra (two teams of 10 or more players on each side, the players use a baton  to hit a small ball (coconut) and try to roll it upon the bend line of your opponent side of field.  This sport  is very similar to one of the most popular sports in Canada, Lacrosse, considered to be originated from indigenous tradition in that country.). 

To read more about the Games, in Portuguese language, click here


To see pictures of the event and learn more about the indigenous people in Brazil, click here


And to enjoy scenes filmed during the event, just hit 'play' on the video below.