Argentina is introducing an official competition for 'sapito', a traditional game involving skimming flat stones over water, with the inaugural national championship taking place this Saturday. The event is held in Bariloche at the 'Playa sin viento' along the picturesque Circuito Chico and features 16 selected players who have demonstrated their skills by achieving at least 15 successful skims on water. The championship is organized by Cerveza Patagonia and aims to popularize the game further, aspiring for its recognition as a 'National Patagonian Sport'.

The competition will occur between 15:00 and 19:00 and will be officiated by a panel of judges, including a notable British referee. This move to formalize the sport represents an interesting cultural shift, as 'sapito' is not yet recognized as an Olympic sport but has deep roots in Argentine tradition. The organizers are keen on instilling a sense of community during the event, coinciding with Valentine's Day celebrations, adding a festive atmosphere to the competitive spirit.

Through events like this, Argentina aims not only to celebrate its local traditions but also to potentially put 'sapito' on the map, paving the way for more structured competitions. If successful, this could lead to greater recognition and interest in the sport, possibly inspiring similar events in other regions, thereby reinforcing the cultural significance of traditional games in Argentina.