1. Stickball (Ahnili Nahaldin):
- Stickball is considered the national sport of the Cherokee people and holds significant cultural and ceremonial importance.
- It involves two teams of equal players (usually 12 to 24) using long wooden sticks to hit a small deerskin-covered ball.
- The objective is to score points by striking the ball through designated goals placed at each end of the playing field.
- Strategy teamwork and agility are crucial in stickball, and games can last several hours.
2. Chunkey (Gatolagehvi or Chunke'):
- Chunkey is a game that involves rolling stone discs or wooden rods toward a fixed target.
- Players take turn attempting to roll their chunkey (stone or rod) as close as possible to the target or hitting the target directly.
-Scoring is based on accuracy and distance, making it a test of skill and precision.
3. Running Games (Ge:ya):
- Running games were common among the Cherokee and had practical purposes as well as recreational value.
- Participants would race over various distances and terrains testing endurance and speed.
- Relay races, long-distance runs, and obstacle courses were popular variations.
4. Ball Plays:
- In addition to stickball, the Cherokee also played various other ball games. One example is the "town ball," where players toss a ball between their hands and kick it with their feet.
- Games like "hoop and pole" involves throwing balls through hoops or striking them with sticks.
5. Games of Chance:
- The Cherokee had several gambling games involving strategy, luck, and divination.
- One prominent game is the "lucky ball" where players predict the positions of hidden balls based on intuition.
-Another game, "Peaches," uses fruit pits or marbles to make the predictions.
6. Children's Games:
- Children played games that enhanced physical skills and coordination. One example is "dugga" where kids roll hoops with sticks.
-"Hide and Seek" and other chasing games were also popular.
These sports and games hold cultural significance for the Cherokee people and continue to be practiced today, preserving their heritage and strengthening community ties.