First-Ever World Indigenous Games Held in Brazil

The first World Indigenous Games began on Friday in Palmas, Brazil. The event, which is co-sponsored by the United Nations, has gathered approximately 2,000 athletes from more than 20 countries, including Brazil, Ethiopia, Mongolia, New Zealand and the Philippines, for a 9-day sporting and cultural event. With world indigenous people representing just 0.5% of global population, the Games are an “opportunity to show to the world some of the oldest forms of human civilization,” and to raise global awareness about these tribes and their endangered cultural heritage. Athletes will compete in traditional sports such as bow and arrow shooting, javelin throwing, log racing, and tug-of-war, yet while medals will be awarded, many athletes say they are “competing for the world’s attention to their plight, not just medals.” The video demonstrates the convening power of sports and mega events to both engage global publics in dialogue, and to facilitate cross-cultural interaction, exchanges and understanding among peoples from around the globe.