Analysis of game and traditional practices in the north zone of the central portuguese way and their relation to educational environment

Abstract

Due to the widespread practice of traditional and popular games in the municipalities on the Portuguese Way close to the border with Galicia, the principal objective of this study is to analyze game and traditional practices in the municipalities on the last section of the Central Portuguese Way (from Porto to Valença do Minho), to study their application within the school environment, and to identify other practices of physical and sports activities carried out by the population in this setting. We opted for a qualitative methodology, using personal semi-structured interviews as a tool for obtaining data. The study sample was composed of 27 people: 9 sports technicians from Municipal Chambers, 9 teachers from first-cycle elementary schools (non-specialists in Physical Education) and 9 teachers from second-cycle elementary schools (Physical Education specialists). A low practice of traditional games was evidenced in these municipalities, Malha games being the most popular group of recreational practices. Results also stressed out that the practice of popular and traditional games in schools is scarce and sporadic. Portuguese abundancy of games should be taken into higher consideration by authorities, focusing on their promotion and revival in schools, ideal locations for this type of playful-social projects.