Expert: Paul Walcutt - 11/10/2003

Question
Paul,

I am doing a project on the evolution of sports history in south america.  For example what sports originated in South  America, which were/are the most popular (besides soccer, of course), did any catch on to other parts of the world.  I was wondering if you knew anything about that topic and/or if you could recommend any helpful books.

Thank you,in advance, for any help you can give me.

Laura

--PS  Please make the subject of the email Sports Evolution, so I don't accidently delete your email -- thanks!

Answer
Hmm, that's a hard one.  About the only one I can think of was played by the in some variation by the Olmecs, Mayas and Aztecs.  It has some elements of soccer and basketball.  Here are some helpful links:

http://www.uwec.edu/greider/Indigenous/Meso-America/ballgame/sources.htm
http://www.sfusd.k12.ca.us/schwww/sch618/Maya/Maya_Aztec_Main.html (see the sports/recreation links)
http://www.mayavase.com/alex/alexballgame.html

(I can't send out emails with specific titles since it's through All-Experts system.  Hope you get this.