Olympism: Pedagogy of an educational philosophy

Education is the core of the Olympic Movement, because all of the fundamental roles entrusted to the movement depend entirely on the educational values of the Olympic Movement. For that reason, all the key figures of Olympism put great emphasis on education. “Olympic Education and the Olympic Spirit have the power to contribute to resolving some of the most intensive social problems and teaching principles of honesty and respect (Coubertin, 1929).” Olympic Education, in general, is the process by which people learn Olympism. With respect to pedagogy, Olympic Education is the grass root for general education; its goal is to contribute to building a peaceful and better world, by educating youth through sport, without discrimination and in the Olympic Spirit, which require mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fairplay.

In Thailand, some of the most popular sports for Thai youth are: tennis, golf, basketball, volleyball, football, swimming, taekwondo and futsal. Unfortunately, not all young people can participate in such sports as they do not possess the skills high-level skill required. So, Physical Education classes can serve this youth population in terms of exercise and of physical fitness activities, which in any way still serves to promote a physical fitness and mental fitness. In conclusion, I would like to emphasize the need to include the values and the benefits of sport into the educational and sport program. Children who participate in sports can learn the sport moral values and become a better person, a better adult, a better athlete, a better member of the society and eventually a better citizen of the country. As administrators and educators of higher education, they need to set up educational strategies in order to provide the best program to our children. Thus, it is mandatory to introduce sport to all levels of education to let our children enjoy the best segment of their life with fun and friendships. 


[Difference between Olympic Education and Olympic Studies?]

"Olympic Education is a path of education designed to educate childs, youths, students and all people for developing the individual according to universal values and ideals of Olympism....

Olympic Studies can be similar, but it also often involves taking a step back and studying the Olympic Movement, its systems, and how it functions according to Olympic Education curriculum."

Editor by

Suriyan Somphong

15 November 2013