    UNESCO and the International Association on Traditional Wrestling Sports (IATWS) held a Conference on Traditional Sport and Games (TSG) during the 2008 Asian Belt Wrestling and Ju-jitsu Championships in Bishkek. The Minister of Education for Kyrgyzstan, professors and researchers from the Institute of Sport in Bishkek, as well as many students took part in the proceedings. This enabled UNESCO to draw attention to their activities in the field of traditional sport and games, as well as tying UNESCO’s work in with the efforts already being done in Kyrgyzstan. During this time, the Asian Ju-jitsu Belt Wrestling Federation (AJJBWF) Congress held a special training camp for the Play for Peace project, which has been endorsed by UNESCO and the Olympic Council of Asia. This was followed by a Tree Planting Ceremony and Fun Run for school children. It was a further opportunity for UNESCO to showcase the importance of traditional sport and games as a tool for unity and social and cultural development. 2nd Asian Championships 2008 was officially opened by the President AJJBWF Khalil Ahmed Khan in a colorful ceremony here on 21st March 2008 in the sports Palace of Bishkek Kyrgyzstan. The ceremony was attended by the many sports leaders of the world including UNESCO officials beside a large number of local people. More then 17 countries are participating in the 4 days event of AJJBWF. |
