Rani Vanouska T. Modely Talks Football, Tradition, and the Case for UNESCO Status

In this episode, Rani Vanouska T. Modely shares why football is more than just a game. She explores its deep roots in culture, tradition, and global unity, and explains her mission to have it recognized as UNESCO intangible heritage. Discover how football connects communities and shapes identity around the world.

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Ronnie Vanuska Tee Modley talks football tradition and the case
for UNESCO status. A global tradition rooted in community, Football
is more than a sport. It's a shared tradition that
spans cultures, countries and generations. For Ronnie Vanuska te Modley,
football represents a form of cultural expression that deserves formal

(00:21):
recognition on a global scale. As the voice behind the
Football World Heritage Initiative, she is leading a campaign to
have football included on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Why football deserves UNESCO recognition. According to Ronie Vanuska te Modley,
football meets several criteria for cultural heritage status passed down

(00:43):
through generations. Football is taught in formally across communities, from
neighborhood games to family traditions, cultural identity. The sport is
deeply woven into the identity of cities, regions, and even nations.
Social unity. Football brings people together, regardless of language, nationality,
or background. Storytelling and rituals, songs, chants, pre match rituals,

(01:09):
and celebrations form part of the shared cultural experience. She
argues that these qualities place football alongside other recognized cultural
practices such as traditional dances, festivals, and crafts a universal
language of connection. Ronnie emphasizes how football helps build common
ground between people who might otherwise never interact. In places

(01:32):
recovering from conflict or hardship, football often becomes a way
to restore trust and create a sense of normalcy. For example,
local football clubs foster belonging and community pride. International tournaments
promote respect across nations. In Formal matches and refugee camps
offer relief and connection. The Football World Heritage Initiative. The

(01:56):
initiative has drawn support from international figures in culture to
play hellmacy and media together. They hope to protect football's
cultural value, not just for current fans, but for future generations.
What's at stake? Ronnie Venuska Tee Moldly believes that preserving
football's cultural roots is essential as the game becomes more commercialized,

(02:19):
its deeper meaning as a community tradition and unifier must
not be lost. Looking ahead, recognizing football as an intangible
cultural heritage would elevated beyond sport. It would honor the
millions of people for whom football is a lifelong tradition
and a symbol of hope, identity, and togetherness. Through this campaign,

(02:41):
Ronnie invites the world to see football not only with passion,
but also with pride in its enduring cultural legacy.