Teaching Values: An Olympic Education Toolkit

OVEP Educators Symposium

Based on a presentation by Deanna Binder

Olympism
is a philosophy of life, balancing the qualities of body, will and mind. By blending sport with culture and education, Olympism seeks to create a way of life based on: the joy of effort, the educational values of good examples, and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles
Source: The Olympic Charter
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What is a value?
A value is what is considered important in life; what makes life worth living.
A value is also something that helps people decide what is right or wrong in moral terms.
Source: Olympic Museum Lausanne, Educational Services

The 5 Educational Values of Olympism

Joy of effort
Fair play Respect for others

Pursuit of Excellence
Balance between body, will and mind

Pursuit of excellence
Helps young people to become the best that they can be, in whatever they do.

Joy of Effort Motivates children and youth to pursue excellence in sport and physical activity, and develops skills to enjoy an active, healthy lifestyle

Respect for others

Teaches children and youth to accept and respect diversity, practice personal peaceful behaviours, and promote peace in their homes and communities.

Fair Play Balance between body, will and mind

Through active participation in sport and physical activity important cognitive, emotional and life skills are developed and practiced.
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Reinforces fair play behaviour in sport, in life and in the community.

Joy of Effort

Young people develop and practise physical, behavioural and intellectual skills by challenging themselves and each other in physical activities, movement, games and sport.

Fair Play

Fair play is not caught, it must be taught.

Learning fair play behaviours through physical activity and sport can help in the development of fair play behaviours in the community and in life.

Respect for Others

Learning to accept and respect diversity, and practise personal peaceful behaviours can promote peace and international understanding.

Pursuit of Excellence Among athletes excellence is often considered doing your personal best. This concept can help young people to make positive, healthy choices, and strive to become the best that they can be in whatever they do.

Pierre revival of the

Balance Between Body, Will and Mind

Current research suggests that learning takes place in the whole body, not just in the mind. Physical activity and learning through movement contributes to the development of both moral and intellectual learning.

Pierre de Coubertins revival of the Olympic Games was based on a similar concept of body and mind.
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Educational Questions
HOW are the educational values of Olympism learned? How can they be taught? What are the best methods? HOW can the teaching of Olympic principles be supported by Olympic Organizing Committees, the IOC, the National Olympic Committees and sport and educational organizations?

Pierre de of the
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How to achieve our objectives?

Through:

Activity being physical! Being natural Having fun Being creative Individual/group work Stimulating your imagination

Develop a resource portfolio to promote the Olympic Values

This may include: Games / sport activities Mini Olympic day plans Competitions to build team spirit Fair play rules Discussion topics /role plays Using champions as role models Olympic theme day / week / month

Enjoy the experience - its over to you!

Olympic Educational Values in Daily Practical School Life

PE Classes Breaktime Activities Sports orientated Project Work Sports orientated Excursions School Competititons Other Subjects Partly in Subject Combined Projects