International Journal of Social & Management Sciences, Madonna University (IJSMS) Vol.1 No.1, March 2017; pg.91 – 96 A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF EDDA TRADITIONAL SPORTS AND GAMES ONU MERCY AGHA Department of Linguistics and Literary Studies, Ebonyi State University Abakaliki. +2348038764500
[email protected] Abstract: Sports and Games are part and parcel of human life. Man cannot do without sports. It energies, strengthens and prolongs life. The principal objective of Igbo man is to enjoy himself as much as possible. In this recreational activities Edda people are not left out. In this era, man is busy pursuing wealth at the expense of good health and longevity. Nobody cares about his health and this has brought diseases and untimely death to man. The traditional games seem to have been lost from the ordinary life. The Nigerian child of today is better disposed to western games than the indigenous ones even though the commonly used computer games, Ludo, Snooker are rich in manipulative skills, they do not enhance emotional, moral social skills needed by the youths. This study investigates the various kinds of traditional sports and games activities in Edda which have been abandoned in search of wealth in this era of westernization and globalization. What prompts and stimulates sports and games in Edda. This study adopts observation and interview as methodology and proffers possible ways that will bring back this age long activities to boost our cultural heritage thereby promoting and prolonging life span. It recommends that traditional games should be integrated into educational system in Igbo land. Keywords: sports, survival, traditional, entertainment, health.