Empowerment of Traditional Sports as an Effort to Preserve Culture and Increase Physical Activity among the People of Krueng Anoi Village, Aceh Besar

Abstract

The Student Creativity Program (SCP) in the field of Community Service aims to empower the people of Krueng Anoi Village, Aceh Besar, through traditional sports activities as an effort to preserve culture and increase the community’s physical activity. The program is implemented using a participatory approach, involving village residents, traditional leaders, and youth groups. The implementation methods include socialization, training in traditional games (such as gobak sodor, egrang, tarompa panjang, and cak bur), as well as organizing a village traditional sports festival. The results show a 65% increase in community participation in traditional sports activities, an increase in awareness of local culture, and the establishment of the Village Traditional Sports Community (VTSC), which plays a role in maintaining the sustainability of the program. This program has successfully fostered values of togetherness and sportsmanship, as well as improved the community’s physical fitness. Thus, traditional sports have proven to be an effective medium for social empowerment and cultural preservation at the village level.