Qale: An introduction to a potential Olympics sport
By Galfato Wonago Qale is a fascinating game played by Sidama children with a real potential to become an Olympics sport and this is an overview of this wonderful game. Qale is a game of precision that requires excellent hand-eye coordination while dealing with multiple variables. Qale has very simple rules with minor regional variations. However, the number one rule is to play safe and have fun. The materials required to play qale include: 1) A hoop (about 8-10 inch in diameter) made of wooden sticks and fibres from Enset plant or other plants, and 2) Siiqqo (‘javelin’)—this is a wooden stick with sharpened tips. Sometimes the siiqqo has wooden shaft and a metal tip. However, wooden siiqqo with a sharpened tip is the most common material used. The game can be played by two players or two teams of 2-12 members depending on the size of the playing field. The game starts with team1 throwing the hoop across the field and all team2 players attempting to arrest the hoop by passi