Associates of the Geographical Institute “Jovan Cvijić” of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts (SASA), Dr. Jovana Brankov and Dr. Željko Bjeljac participated in the 25TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE EUROPEAN ASSOCIATION FOR TRADITIONAL SPORTS AND GAMES (AEJeST), held from 9 to 12 July 2026 in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands. During this event, the Third International Symposium on Traditional Sports and Games took place on 10 July 2026, where the Institute's representatives presented their extensive research on traditional sports and games as elements of the cultural heritage of Serbia and the former SFR Yugoslavia.
The symposium focused on a central challenge for the European Association: enhancing the integration of traditional sports and games within educational systems. It brought together experts from France, Spain, Serbia, Portugal, and Italy, who shared experiences regarding the incorporation of these activities into both formal and informal education. By exchanging best practices, participants highlighted initiatives that contribute to the preservation and promotion of this aspect of cultural heritage across Europe and established guidelines for future efforts. Dr. Jovana Brankov and Dr. Željko Bjeljac presented projects implemented by the Geographical Institute "Jovan Cvijić" SASA between 2023 and 2025, which aimed to raise awareness and educate local communities about traditional sports and games in Serbia, recognized as an endangered element of intangible cultural heritage.
TV report on the event, featuring a short interview with a representative from our Institute, available at the following link: TV report
Conference program:3rd International Symposium
Participants: Jovana Brankov and Željko Bjeljac
Announcement title: Reviving Heritage Through Play: Educational and Community-Based Approaches to Traditional Sports and Games in Serbia
Date: August 3, 2026
Source: Jovana Brankov
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