Athletes compete in International Games of Indigenous People

Friday, November 15, 2013  

More than 1,500 athletes are competing in the 12th International Games of Indigenous People this week.

The athletes represent 48 tribes in Brazil and other indigenous people from across the globe. They are showcasing indigenous sports like xikunahity, a game that resembles soccer but is played by crawling on the ground.

"When I come here, I see pure Indians, with body paint, dancing together. It’s important for others to see this and take it back to their villages," participant Yakari Kuikuro told the Associated Press.

The games wrap up on Saturday.

Get the Story:
Dozens of tribes gather in Brazil for Indigenous Games, celebrating sport, culture (AP 11/15)
Forget the World Cup or the Olympics... Brazil plays host to colorful celebration of indigenous sports (The Daily Mail 11/13)