Play sack-race and chicken chase games

Sack race is a fun game where players jump forward while standing inside a sack. It helps develop running skills, balance, and competitive spirit.

What You Need

• A sack for each player
• A playing field marked with start and finish lines (25 to 100 meters apart)
• A whistle
• Cones or markers to show the distance

Steps to Play

1. Warm up — Run slowly for 2 to 3 minutes to prepare your body.

2. Mark the field — Set up the starting line and finishing line. The distance depends on the players' ability.

3. Get ready — Take off your shoes and hold your sack at the starting point.

4. Step into the sack — Stand inside the sack and pull it up so it goes beyond your waist.

5. Hold the sack — Hold the sack firmly with both hands so it does not fall down.

6. Wait for the command — Listen for the leader's whistle or command to start.

7. Jump forward — When the leader gives the signal, start jumping forward with both legs together. Keep your balance and move as fast as you can toward the finish line.

8. Win the race — The player who crosses the finish line first wins!

Tips for Playing Well

• Keep your knees close together when jumping
• Hold the sack tightly at waist level
• Jump in a steady rhythm — do not rush too fast at the beginning
• Look forward, not down, to maintain balance

Chicken chase is a traditional game where players chase a chicken inside a circle until they catch it. It improves speed, thinking ability, and teamwork.

What You Need

• A healthy chicken (cock or hen)
• A playing field or open space
• A whistle
• All players form a circle around the field

Steps to Play

1. Prepare the chicken — Make sure the chicken is healthy and will not be harmed during the game.

2. Form teams — Divide into two teams, with no more than four players per team depending on the field size.

3. Make a circle — Non-playing pupils should form a big circle around the playing area so the chicken can run inside but cannot escape.

4. Start the game — The leader puts the chicken in the center of the circle and blows the whistle.

5. Chase the chicken — Players run after the chicken and try to catch it without kicking or stepping on it.

6. Catch the chicken — The player who catches the chicken first wins the round.

Important Rules

• Do not kick the chicken
• Do not step on the chicken
• Only playing members can catch the chicken
• If the chicken leaves the circle without being caught, the game is repeated
• The game lasts 3 to 5 minutes

Both games help us in many ways:

• Entertainment — We have fun playing and watching
• Health — Our bodies become active and strong
• Teamwork — We learn to work together with others
• Thinking skills — We think of ways to play better
• Competition — We develop a healthy competitive spirit
• Running talent — We improve our running abilities

In Tanzania, these traditional games are played during school sports days, community celebrations (like Jamahari or Christmas), and village festivals. For example, during a school sports day in Dodoma, a Standard IV pupil might join a sack race with friends and use the jumping technique learned in class to win a small prize. These games also teach discipline and following rules — skills that help children in everyday life at school and at home.