Sabah: Rainy weather this afternoon did not dampen the spirits of visitors from various communities who turned up in large numbers for the National Unity Week 2026 celebration at the Likas Sports Complex here, taking part in a range of activities, including traditional sports and games.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, a survey found that activities such as 'gasing' (top spinning), 'terompah gergasi' (giant wooden clogs), coconut bowling, coconut shell clogs, and tin can throw not only enlivened the atmosphere but also provided an opportunity for the public, particularly the younger generation, to learn about traditional games and sporting heritage.

The activity area received an encouraging response from visitors attending with their families, with some taking a trip down memory lane through traditional games that were once among their favourites during childhood. Hotel employee Zulkifli Mohamad, 37, was among the visitors who did not miss the opportunity to play gasing at the traditional sports area. He expressed that it had been 20 years since he last played the game, and it brought back fond memories for him and provided exposure for his children who had never seen the game before.

Meanwhile, Zulkifli emphasized the importance of continuing such activities to expose younger generations to the uniqueness and enjoyment of traditional games and sports. He remarked on the generational differences, noting how traditional games were a primary source of entertainment before the advent of gadgets, and highlighted the value of reviving these games to spark interest among young people.

Another visitor, Norhayati Mohd Yusof, 37, shared that traditional games not only offer fun experiences but also instill values of teamwork and unity. She used terompah gergasi as an example, explaining how the game necessitates team members to move in unison for success, thus promoting unity.

Additionally, Sabah National Unity and Integration Department director Rina Ab Harun commented on the significance of traditional sports in the National Unity Week 2026 celebration. She noted that traditional sports and games such as blowpipe shooting, sepak manggis, gasing, congkak, batu seremban, hopscotch, and draughts remain close to the hearts of the people and provide the younger generation a chance to experience cultural heritage first-hand.

The National Unity Week 2026 celebration, organised by the National Unity Ministry, will continue for four days until Sunday under the theme 'Bersama Membina Negara Bangsa'. The programme, a major highlight under the Kembara Perpaduan flagship initiative, is set to be officially launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim tomorrow.