Rediscovering Intangible Cultural Heritage Through the Eyes of Students: Perceptions of Traditional Sports and Games

Traditional sports and games (TSGs) represent an important component of intangible cultural heritage (ICH), reflecting local traditions, cultural identities, and forms of social interaction transmitted across generations. Despite their cultural significance, many TSGs are increasingly marginalized among younger generations. This study examines primary school children’s knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes toward TSGs in Serbia, with particular attention to their role as elements of ICH. The research was conducted among 251 students from three primary schools in the City of Loznica using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, principal component analysis, multiple chi-square tests, independent-samples t-tests, and analysis of variance were applied. The findings indicate that children possess limited knowledge of TSGs and rarely recognize them as a component of ICH. Respondents were most familiar with traditional children’s games and athletic disciplines still present in everyday life, whereas many traditional shepherds’ games were largely unrecognized. Knowledge of TSGs is transmitted primarily through family environments, especially by parents and grandparents, highlighting the importance of intergenerational communication in heritage preservation. Age-group differences were initially observed in the cultural transmission of TSG knowledge and participation constraints, but did not remain significant after multiple-testing correction. The study highlights the need for stronger educational, cultural, and media-based initiatives aimed at increasing awareness of TSGs among younger generations. It contributes to understanding the mechanisms of transmission and safeguarding of TSGs and emphasizes the role of children as future bearers of ICH.