Differences in the cognitive understanding of the concept of social harmony in the Traditional Games of Chinese Ethnic Minorities of China: A case study of the Guizhou dragon boat team

In order to protect and promote ethnic sports culture in China, the National Ethnic Games (The Games) were launched in 1953; these Games have been held nine times between 1953 and 2011. Equality, unity, struggle, mutual savings and harmony are important elements for the maintenance of national relationships in China. With that in mind, this study focuses on the 9th Games, held in 2011, with three main aims. First, we ask how the Chinese government practised the ideology of national union and social harmony during the Games. Second, we consider the motivations of local organizers. Finally, we ask: what was the purpose of athletes at the 9th Games? Our study found that the Chinese government operationalized the concepts of unity and harmony during the National Traditional Games. For the local organizers, the 9th Games were an important opportunity to demonstrate to citizens certain capabilities. For the ethnic athletes, competing at the 9th Games offered important career choices that could improve their way of life and its quality.