Traditional Games and Their Contribution: A Qualitative Approach

Petros Natsis, Aikaterini Golia, Dimitrios Kokaridas, & Evanthia Karapanou

Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, University of Thessaly, Trikala, Hellas

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to identify and analyze traditional games and to examine their relation with other aspects of participants’ life through a qualitative approach. The sample consisted of 22 individuals (19 males, 3 females), aged 47-85 years old. A semi-structured (individual and team) interview was used composed of 16 questions. All interviews were recorded and transformed in written form. The results of the study revealed the importance of traditional games in the life of the participants. Gender, personality, emotions and socio-economic status of the participants immerged as factors associated with traditional games. In the light of the findings, suggestions were made for the adaptation of similar practices in order to further investigate traditional games appeared in other regions in Greece.