Bokwele
Multicultural Games

State the name of your game and why you chose it.

The name of the game is Bokwele.  There are two different versions of Bokwele.  Both sound like lots of fun.

List the countries where it is played and its origin.

Bokwele originated in the Congo (which is now called Zaire.)

Describe how your game is played. State the object of the game. Clearly describe the rules.

Bokwele 1

• Bokwele is played like Capture the Flag.  There are 2 teams and each team guards a hula hoop. Inside the hoop each team has 2 scarves
• When the game begins the players yell "Bokwele" while they try to steal their opponent's scarves.
• If the player is tagged they must sit out for the rest of the game.
• If a player drops a scarf before they bring it over the line the hula hoop on that side is placed around it. 
• A team wins when it has all the scarves.

Bokwele 2

• Players are divided into 2 teams.  Each team has its own rope. 
• Both teams select a player to climb the rope. When the starter says go both players climb to the top.
• When a player reaches the top they must shout "Bokwele!" 
• There are only two rules in the game - You must say Bokwele when you reach the top and if a climber gets 3 false starts they are disqualified.

List the equipment needed.

Bokwele 1

• 2 hula hoops
• 4 scarves
• boundaries

Bokwele 2

• 2 ropes
• 2 half way marks

Make recommendations for what type of athlete would enjoy playing this game. What skills does it demand?

Hillary:  I would recommend Bokwele 1 to people who enjoy running.  I would recommend Bokwele 2 to rock climbers and boxers because it involves a lot of upper body strength. 

What are your feelings about this game? Did you enjoy playing it? Would you recommend it?

Hillary:  I really like both versions of the game.  They are fun and exciting to play.   One improvement I would make to Bokwele 1 is that it should be played with more hula hoops. 

 

Multicultural Games Unit   | Games Index |  Middle School  |  GAnet

Germantown Academy
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