Bridging Generations: Cheza Champions the Future of Traditional Sports at TAFISA Mission 2030 Webinar

The future of sports isn’t just about faster technology or newer stadiums; sometimes, it’s about looking backward to move forward.

Recently, Cheza took center stage at the global TAFISA (The Association For International Sport for All) Mission 2030 webinar, supported by Olympism365. Bringing together youth and sports professionals from around the world, the webinar focused on a vital conversation: The future of traditional sports and their role in shaping the next generation.

Traditional Games, Modern Possibilities

Representing Cheza’s core philosophy at the event, the discussion highlighted a simple but powerful realization: the games of our past still carry the answers to many of today’s challenges, provided we are bold enough to reimagine them.

Within every traditional game lies more than just history  it holds immense possibility. These games present a unique opportunity to:

Connect generations by passing down ancestral knowledge.

Empower young people with accessible, community-driven physical activity.

Redefine what global sport can look like in an increasingly digital age.

This work goes far territory beyond simple historical preservation. It is deeply rooted in identity, opportunity, and building an inclusive future where every young person can see themselves reflected in the games they play. By getting this right, we don’t just protect heritage; we transform it into a vehicle that moves the world forward.

A Bittersweet Reality and a Beacon of Hope

The impact of the webinar resonated deeply with attendees, including Esther Otto, an AU Media Fellow 3.0 and Sports Journalist. In a moving reflection following the event, titled “From Heritage to Future: Revitalising Traditional Sports and Games for Today’s Youth,” Otto shared the bittersweet reality facing traditional games today.

For many, particularly in regions like Anglophone Cameroon, the “extinction” of street games isn’t merely due to the rise of digital screens. It is heavily tied to security issues that have limited access to the communal outdoor spaces where these traditions were once handed down, interrupting the smooth transition of cultural heritage.

However, Cheza’s presentation offered a powerful path forward. Highlighting our organization’s dedication, Otto shared:

“I am deeply inspired by the work of CHEZA, led by Simon Peter Tumukunde . Their mission to revive these games and the ambition to see them integrated into the Olympics carries significant weight for our cultural sovereignty.”

With Ethiopia rapidly becoming a premier sporting hub, and backed by insights from global experts like Dr. Paidamoyo Mandizvidza, the future looks bright. Traditional African sports are not just being “saved” they are being actively reinvented, modernized, and structurally positioned to thrive in the modern world.

Cheza remains dedicated to leading this dialogue and invites you to be part of what comes next. Together, let’s keep the game alive.