"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - CHC to Host Cherokee Games Competition

TAHLEQUAH, OK - Keeping traditional Cherokee games alive, the Cherokee Heritage Center will host a Cherokee Games Competition on Saturday, September 29, at 10 a.m. on the grounds of the Heritage Center.

“This competition will be a lot of fun,” said Tonia Weavel, Education Director. “We are pleased to offer this opportunity to the public. This is a great way to learn about Cherokee culture and get involved in some friendly competition at the same time.”

Competitions will be held in stickball, marbles and chunkey. Cash prizes will be awarded to the winners of each competition. You do not have to be Native American to take part in this event.

Stickball is played with two sticks approximately three-feet long with a cup-shaped end with leather lacings. The object of the game is to score points by hitting a 30-foot pole with a wooden fish attached to the top. Traditional rules will apply.

Marbles is played on a playing field about 100-feet long, containing five holes approximately 10-feet apart, forming an L shape. Players toss marbles toward the holes. The object of the game is to knock the opposing teams’ marbles out of the hole while trying to advance and win. The first team to complete the course is the winner.

Chunkey is played with a smooth, stone disk, usually with concave sides and two long, slender poles. Two players roll the disk along a smooth piece of ground and throw poles after it, with the idea of either hitting the stone or coming as near as possible when the stone comes to a rest.

“Each year the Heritage Center is proud to offer everyone the opportunity to compete in true, traditional games,” said Weavel. “You do not have to be Cherokee to take part in these competitions. Come out and enjoy a day of fun with the entire family. Spectators and players are all encouraged to attend.”

For more information contact Tonia Weavel, phone: 918-456-6007 or send an e-mail to: education@cherokeeheritage.org.