Sports education in elementary school has a crucial role in creating healthy, active, and strong individuals. However, more than just a physical aspect, sports can also become a bridge to preserve and develop cultural values. The integration between sports and culture in education is not just the treatment of curriculum, but also an attempt to create young people who have strong identities and can appreciate diversity.

Why is integration important?

• Character Development: Sports teaches values like discipline, teamwork, sportsmanship, and fighting spirit. These values match the higher values contained in various cultures.
• Cultural Identity: Through traditional sports or the game of the people, students can know and appreciate the heritage of the nation's culture. It can raise pride and love of the motherland.
• Human and mental health: Sports mixed with cultural elements can be a fun tool for keeping physical and mental health students.
• Holistic learning: The integration of sports and culture gives learning experiences that are richer and meaningful, so students can develop their entire potential.

Implementation Example Integrating

• Traditional Sports: Introducing traditional games such as hinges, forts, or egrang not only is fun, but also teaches social values and cultures.
• Martial Arts: Martial arts like silat scrambler or karate not only train physical, but also teach value to discipline, respect, and self-control.
• Dance and Music: Combining dance movements with traditional musical motorcade can raise the students' awareness of the beauty and wealth of the nation's culture.
• Natural Based Sports: Events like hiking or camping can get close to the students of nature and teach them about the importance of keeping the environment.

Challenge and Opportunity

• Lack of Facility: Not all schools have adequate facilities to implement diverse sports programs.
• Lack of Human Resources: The gym teacher who has competence in integrate sports and culture is still limited.
• Life Style Change: The increasingly individualistic modern lifestyle often shifts students' interest in traditional sports.

However, behind those challenges, there is a great opportunity to develop more integrative sports education. With the support of government, schools, communities and families, sports and culture integration can come true.

Source: Integrated Cultural In National Education System: IAIN Ternate OJS (https: / / journey na.iain)