It would be safe to assume that the most popular sport in South America is fútbol, or in the United States, soccer. However, as we explore the different countries of South America, we see each has a rich history of popular traditional or indigenous sports. The country of Colombia is no different. When one travels to Colombia, especially Turmequé, Boyaca, one will come across the sport of Tejo (sometimes called Turmequé after the town). Often described as a sport of gunpowder and beer, it is a skill-based projectile tossing sport similar to games like horseshoes, cornhole, or even bowling to a degree. However, this popular game is a Columbian original with an ancient past and questionable future.
There are disputes over the origins of Tejo, but there seem to be some overlapping themes that may point to the truth of the sport's origin. Through archaeological evidence, we can deduce that native indigenous Colombians played a version of this game at least 500 years ago. It appears that the throwing object may have been made of gold, indicating the importance of the game, which we might infer had former religious significance or was associated with cultural celebrations. According to Steve Craig, the author of Sports and Games of the Ancients, this game may have been played by the Chibcha people well before the pre-Colombian period.
Unfortunately, you will not find the use of gold discs anymore due to the Spanish conquistadores and their aggressive effort to extract precious metals and resources from the area. Instead, the game would transition to using a stone, and later a metal puck or disc called a Tejo, which is the name of the sport. However, it is a miracle that the game survived this tumultuous time since there was active resistance to the game from the Spaniards through theft and religious pressure from the Catholic Church. In addition, it was proclaimed the "Devil's Game" due to the imbibing of Chicha, a traditional alcoholic drink, by sport was banned as natives underwent forced conversion. However, a peculiar feature of the game may have saved it from being wholly banished: the use of gunpowder brought by the Spaniards. Around the target, one will find triangular paper containers holding gunpowder called mechas. When the Tejo hits one, the friction heat causes the gunpowder to ignite, causing a small explosion reminiscent of a 22-caliber pistol. The popping explosion sounds, similar to fireworks used for various celebrations, allowed the game to be played after ceremonies and holidays, ensuring the game’s survival.
The game is played by tossing the Tejo at a target (bocín) on a board covered with clay and four mechas. The distance is around 18.5 meters from target to target, a considerable distance to throw a half-kilogram metal Tejo. The tabla is a wooden frame that holds the board and clay for the Tejo to impact, similar to a cornhole set minus the clay. Depending on the consistency of the clay, the Tejo should stick impact unless it hits a mecha, which may cause it to rebound. Depending on where the Tejo lands on the target determines the points scored. Interestingly, what would be considered a “bullseye,” called a moñona, where the Tejo lands perfectly inside the bocín, is not the highest point shot. Instead, if the Tejo is inside the bocín and impacts a mecha is the best shot in the game.
In the past, professional Tejo players could make a living by playing the game. While there are still professional Tejo teams in and around major cities, winning prizes include trophies, medals, household items, and money, but not to the degree they used to get. The money within the sport has declined as fewer companies and patrons support it due to its association with alcohol. However, the sport has always had a component of imbibing alcohol, as indigenous Colombians used to drink Chicha, an alcoholic drink made from maize. In modern times, beer has taken over the sport, so much that most Tejo courts feel more like bars. In fact, most don’t even charge to play Tejo as long as the players are drinking beer. The obvious problem is that this aspect of the sport may turn off underage players or those not interested in drinking. While the copious beer drinking makes the game fun for many people, especially international travelers looking for an authentic Colombian experience, it hurts its chance of being considered for Olympic Competitions.
It is the question of alcohol that may determine the ultimate fate of Tejo. Almost every Colombian has played Tejo at some point in their lives, starting with a non-explosive version in elementary school and going to senior citizen homes. As with all skill-based sports like bowling or golf, they can be enjoyed by all ages and athletic abilities since there is typically no defense or taxing physical demand on the player. Instead, ultimate concentration and the perfection of a specific movement are required for mastery. Unfortunately, while all can play the sport, the drinking culture associated with the sport diminishes its playing population. Tejo was named Colombia’s national sport in the year 2000. However, suppose younger generations are not encouraged to play. In that case, the sport will become less a celebration of indigenous culture and more a cultural curiosity involving copious amounts of alcohol.
For the version of Tejo that we play, we will practice the skill of Frisbee throwing. However, this game does lend itself to practicing other target-tossing games like cornhole. I chose Frisbee because the Frisbee disc more closely resembles the disc of Tejo. Like Frisbee golf, it has a low entry barrier but enough challenge for even seasoned veteran Frisbee throwers. Tejo was one of my students' favorites of the year, and I imagine your students will also love it.
Materials:
· An ample open space (such as a gym or field)
· Two to four Frisbees based on the number of students in the lesson (about 4-5 students per disc)
· Hula-Hoops
· Hula-Hoop holders
· Rubber disc dots
Number of Students: This game could be played with as few as one student but would work better with at least a couple. However, larger classes of 20+ can be easily split into teams.
Prior Knowledge: The students should have had lessons on South America (specifically Colombia, if possible).
Presentation:
· Depending on the number of students, split them into teams of two to four. Place rubber disc dots, which, if possible, match the color of the hula-hoop target they will aim for.
· I show the students how to hold the Frisbee with the index finger alongside the lip of the Frisbee while it is secured with the thumb and three other fingers. You can use the mantra of point, step, and throw with the Frisbee to help the students with proper foot and body placement. However, they will point with the Frisbee's hand and step with the same foot as the throwing hand. This is different than the traditional throwing technique of pointing and stepping with the opposite side of the throwing hand. We use the same side because this throw is a backhand motion.
· Emphasize how snapping or flicking the wrist with the throw causes the Frisbee to rotate, making it fly dramatically farther than a simple toss.
o You can also speak to the physics of how the spinning Frisbee provides lift by changing the pressure of the air. The higher pressure under the Frisbee provides the lift. We can also talk about angular momentum keeping the flight of the Frisbee more stable. Spinning the Frisbee is crucial for success!
· If you are playing in the gym, use the volleyball court as the guide for creating the throwing distances.
· Referencing the chart above, the first (unshown) line would be where the rubber disc dots would be placed. The throwers must step on, but not over, the rubber dot.
· There are three line lengths that the student can choose from to place their target. The farther the line, the more potential points can be scored. The first line maximum points are worth ten, the second is twenty, and the third is forty. However, the earned points were influenced by the contact of the Frisbee on the hula-hoop.
· The scoring system is relatively easy but a little counterintuitive. However, this is accurate to the actual game.
· If a Frisbee touches a hula-hoop but does not continue its flight through the hoop, that is worth a quarter of the maximum points of that line.
o If this happens at the ten-point hula-hoop, I typically round up to three points.
· If the Frisbee travels cleanly through the hoop, this is worth half the points.
o While common sense would say this should be the maximum number of points, this differs from the traditional game. Therefore, we follow suit in our version.
· If the Frisbee contacts the hoop and continues to travel through the opening, this is the maximum points total. This represents hitting the mecha while still getting a bullseye, the maximum number of points in traditional Tejo.
· With the teams standing behind their disc dot, the first player of each line has the Frisbee, and they all throw at once. Once all Frisbees are thrown, the throwing player retrieves the Frisbee. However, before they return the Frisbee to the next player, they ask the next player where they want the target moved (if at all). Once the target is where the next thrower wants it, the Frisbee is given over, but the thrower must wait for all the other team’s throwers to have their Frisbees as well. Then, when everyone has their Frisbee, they can all throw it together.
· Players can only score on their similar colored hula-hoop. A player hitting another hula-hoop does not count.
· The instructor should keep score of the total score of all teams combined. This will encourage all the teams to cheer each other on and move quickly to fetch thrown Frisbees. An individual’s hard work (or lack thereof) can impact everyone’s ability to get maximum throws.
o If you have multiple classes, you may have the classes compete against each other to see which can get the highest score. An advantage to this is it will motivate your students to work as hard as possible. It will also reward a class that listens well with more throwing time if the instructor does not have to wait while presenting the introduction and instructions.
· This game has two different elements that can be highlighted by the instructor. The first is the concept of risk vs. reward. The farther the throw, the higher the potential point total. However, the farther the throw, the more difficult it is for the thrower to reach the target. Therefore, the thrower must decide how they can best contribute to the overall score. The second is that working hard and moving fast will contribute to an overall higher score because more shots will be taken by everyone. Since the throwers must wait until everyone is ready, the fetching players must "reload" their teammates quickly to maximize the number of throws available during the PE period.
Aims:
Direct: For the students to learn and play the indigenous traditional Tejo sport.
Indirect:
Listening to directions
Teamwork and team building
Patience and perseverance
Communication
Sportsmanship
Physical skills practiced:
· Throwing a Frisbee at a target moving or stationary
· Running to retrieve the Frisbee
Control Of Error:
The instructor will have to act as the scorekeeper. Therefore, having a clipboard to keep track of points or a scoreboard is heavily advised.
Cultural Connections:
Valued equality: This game is accessible to everyone, young and old. There is even a push for this sport to be entered in the Para-Olympics. Since there is no defense or lots of physical exertion, this game can be played by any age, fitness level, physical ability, etc.
Valued Precision: Any skill-based sport has a built-in respect and desire for precision. The ability to do a skilled maneuver to elicit a specific response lends itself to respect for craftsmanship. One's success depends entirely on their ability to perform the task and not on an ability of a defender. This skill must be practiced to master their technique, which supports respect for determination and hard work.
Valued concepts of Risk vs. Reward: In our version of the game, there is a direct correlation between the choice of the student and the potential points they could earn. In the actual game, players can employ different strategies as they decide what type of shot would be best compared to the throw of their opponents.
Age: All Ages
Bibliography
America, C. (2015). Tejo, Colombia’s national sport, struggles with modernity [YouTube Video]. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEskGrAxMqU
Carroll, R. (2017, February 2). Tejo: Colombia’s National Sport. Culture Trip. https://theculturetrip.com/south-america/colombia/articles/tejo-colombias-national-sport/
Sherriff, L. (2018, November 26). Gunpowder and beer: Playing Colombia’s national sport. CNN Travel. https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/tejo-colombia-national-sport/index.html
Tejo | Colombia’s National Sport | Trans World Sport. (n.d.). Www.youtube.com. Retrieved February 15, 2023, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsfeJot-g2o
Tejo (sport). (2021, December 26). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tejo_(sport)
Photo Attribution
Ancient Tejo player from Wikipedia Commons
