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Sudan Tribune

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South Sudan Wrestling: Central Equatoria State beats Lakes state 6—1

December 8, 2010 (JUBA) – Central Equatoria state traditional wrestlers, Mundari, defeated Lakes state, Aliap and Atuot combined, by six to one on Saturday in Juba as local entertainment takes root in southern Sudan ahead of next month’s referendum on self-determination.

Gore-Mapak, Mundari’s first strong man, opened the match with a dramatic win to the jubilation of home fans at Juba Stadium. Overall, Mundari scored six wins, four draws and lost one ending the contest in 6—1 in their favour.

Traditional wrestling is practised in southern Sudan by Dinka Bor from Jonglei state, Ciec, Aliap and Atuot from Lakes state and Mundari from Central Equatoria. Both keep cattle and wrestling is the sport of choice between youth in cattle camps, mainly for fame and pride.

The organizers, the Southern Sudan Wrestling Entertainment (SSWE), a private body, are providing better opportunities for traditional wrestlers who can receive 1,000 Sudanese Pounds (about $402 US) as token for appreciation, for taking part in the game.

Bor county wrestlers, locally known as the ‘Referendum Stars’ are due to face Lakes state wrestlers next Saturday, December 11. A win or a draw for Bor, which represents Jonglei state, will secure them a place in a final wrestling scheduled for 18 December. The winning team will collect 10,000 Sudanese Pounds (about $3,800 US) and runner-up takes half the prize of leading wrestlers.

As the southern Sudanese prepare for January 9, 2011 referendum to decide the future of Sudan, SSWE, the body organizing wrestling matches, aims at engaging cattle keeping youths in productive matches in order to reduce cattle rustling, which may interrupt the independence vote.

(ST)

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