HILARY HOSIA
The inclusion of traditional games and sports may be underway in the near future thanks to developments from the National Socio-Economic and Climate Summit last week.
Participants of the weeklong forum appealed to traditional leaders during the Q&A session with members of the Council of Irooj.
A participant from Wotho Atoll, requested on behalf of the hundreds of delegates to House of Irooj Chair Lanny Kabua to include traditional games in future community events, adding reviving the local games would help sustain the disappearing culture.
Chair Lanny supported the request and delegated the spotlight to Iroojlaplap (paramount chief) Mike Kabua to answer, in which, Mike gave his verbal consent and support. Irooj Mike is known as guardian of traditional knowledge and culture.
The integration with the Council of Irooj brought the closure to the weeklong summit that invited participants from each outer atoll and island to the International Conference Center.
Event MC and Deputy Chief Secretary Abacca Anjain, Chief Secretary Kino Kabua and Kwajalein Parliament Member Kitlang Kabua led the crowd in a traditional gesture of respect to the chiefly panel through a song.
When asked what was their biggest takeaway from the weeklong forum, three outer island representatives said “the food spread throughout the week.”