OBUDOVAC BRINGS THE MIDDLE AGES TO LIFE WITH KNIGHT GAMES FOR CHILDREN

Knight games for children were held in Obudovac, near Šamac, giving the youngest participants an opportunity to discover the life and customs of the Middle Ages through games, socializing and direct contact with medieval equipment.

PHOTO: SRNA

Children had a chance to see various medieval tools, weapons, armor and shields, as well as take part in games that required skill, patience and concentration. A carousel was also prepared for the youngest visitors.

LEARNING HISTORY THROUGH PLAY

Acting Director of the Šamac Cultural Center, Milanka Blagojević, said she was pleased that the event was organized together with the Rusag Citizens’ Association from Prijedor and with the support of the Municipality of Šamac.

The aim was to introduce children to the Middle Ages and the world of knights in an entertaining and educational way, allowing them to experience a period of history they usually encounter only through books and pictures.

Mladen Čikić, president of the Rusag Citizens’ Association, explained that the organization is dedicated to reconstructing medieval life, with a special focus on bringing this period of history closer to children through hands-on experiences.

“We are aware that modern technology occupies much of children’s attention, so we wanted to find a way to bring the medieval way of life closer to them. The opportunity to see swords, armor and shields in person and participate in medieval games is, in my opinion, far more valuable than simply seeing them in pictures,” Čikić said.

LESS SCREEN TIME, MORE OUTDOOR PLAY

The medieval games were designed to encourage patience, agility and both physical and mental skills, while also motivating children to be more physically active and spend more time outdoors.

Čikić pointed out that children rarely have an opportunity to experience activities like these, while public interest shows that there is room for more programs of this kind.

The Rusag association held 29 performances last year, while the number has been somewhat lower this year.

“We should do more to encourage children to be physically active, spend time outdoors and reduce the amount of time they spend in front of screens,” Čikić concluded.