Cultural village hosts first indigenous ethnic sports festival

 By Olivia Miwil - October 30, 2023 @ 11:14am

Youths taking part in the Sabah Indigenous Ethnic Sports Festival held at Mari Mari Cultural Village in Kionsom. - NSTP/Olivia Miwil

KOTA KINABALU: Zainizam Awang Besar is typically immersed in mobile games on weekends, but this time, he found himself engaged in indigenous sports activities for the first time.

The 20-year-old college student from Papar said: "I did not realize I had not touched my phone since morning. These activities, such as cooking 'penyaram' and others, are fun."

Zainizam was among 350 participants at the inaugural Sabah Indigenous Ethnic Sports Festival at Mari Mari Cultural Village.

The event, which included four European tourists, featured various traditional games and activities.

In addition to cooking local snacks like 'penyaram' and 'kuih jala', participants tried their hand at the "Game of Stone" and the "Inoug Dazang Riddle", which is pulling a string trapped inside a double-loop rattan. They also learnt rope-making from tree barks, beading and performing the "Lansaran" dance, "Magunatip," and "Nyala", which is setting fire without a lighter or matches.

Festival spokesperson Valentine G. Willard said the programme was organised in collaboration with the National Unity Ministry.

"The purpose is to bring to light the traditional games of Sabah's indigenous ethnic groups, which have never been celebrated in this manner before.

"It not only provided a platform for indigenous communities to exhibit their traditional games but also allowed attendees to immerse themselves in the rich cultural tapestry of Sabah.

"For many, it was a chance to rediscover games and activities that had faded into obscurity. We are trying to revive the nostalgia of the past events," said Valentine, who is also Traverse Tours Sdn Bhd sales director.

Beyond its cultural significance, the festival aimed to promote tourism, both domestically and internationally.

"By offering a glimpse into the cultural tapestry of Sabah's indigenous communities, it is hoped this event will spark interest among tourists, inspiring them to explore the diverse traditions and practices of the region.