Ethnosport as a way to actualize ethnoculture (on the example of Finno-Ugric peoples)

Introduction. The article explores the role and place of ethnosport in the national culture as an important factor in returning to authenticity in order to preserve the identity of ethnic groups. Materials and Methods. The authors pay attention to the theoretical substantiation of ethno-sport as a methodological basis of designing and forecasting the processes of formation and functioning of socio-cultural systems in the conditions of the processes of ethnocultural representations in sports, which are gaining momentum and go beyond the boundaries of places of compact residence of ethnic groups, national states and continents. The authors emphasize that the methodology of studying ethno-sports is of interdisciplinary nature of emerging trends in the area of physical activity in the conditions of globalization processes. Results and Discussion. The article studies the role and place of traditional games in actualizing the axiological field of Finno-Ugric peoples’ culture in modern society in order to preserve the identity of ethnic groups under conditions of cultural localization. Special attention is paid to the revival of ethnic sports within the traditional holidays of Finno-Ugric peoples. The article emphasizes that ethnosport is based on the moral and ethical views of peoples, expressed in the original festivals described in the works of oral folk art. Conclusion. Along with the usual performances of folk groups in the framework of folk festivals, traditional games are getting more popular. It is important to note that this approach is quite historic, because the competitive game tradition has served as the cultural core of the national holiday for centuries. Despite the fact that the territories inhabited by Finno-Ugric peoples have different approaches to the revival and maintenance of ethnic sports, in general, Finno-Ugric territories demonstrate a significant interest in this sphere of national identity. Traditional games have become part of the cultural policy of Finno-Ugric republics.