Unit- Olympic Value Education

Concept
Olympism is a term used to describe the philosophy and values that are embodied by the Olympic
Games. It is an idea that emphasizes the importance of physical fitness, sport, fair competition, and the
values of respect, friendship, and understanding among people from different countries and cultures.
It seeks to foster mutual understanding and respect among nations and people through the universal
language of sport. The concept of Olympism is embodied in the Olympic Charter, which outlines the
principles and values that govern the Olympic Games. These include the principles of non-
discrimination, fair play, and respect for others, as well as the values of friendship, solidarity, and
excellence.

Olympics Values (Excellence, Friendship & Respect)

The Olympics values of excellence, friendship, and respect are an integral part of the Olympic
movement and are embodied in the Olympic Charter. These values are intended to guide athletes,
officials, and spectators in their conduct during the Olympic Games and beyond.
Excellence: The pursuit of excellence is at the heart of the Olympic movement. The Olympics values the
highest levels of physical, mental, and moral performance. Athletes are encouraged to strive for their
personal best and to push themselves to achieve their goals. The value of excellence extends beyond
sports, promoting excellence in all aspects of life.

Friendship: The value of friendship is about building bridges between people from different countries
and cultures. The Olympics seeks to promote understanding and respect among people from different
backgrounds and to foster friendship and solidarity. The Olympic Games provide a unique opportunity
for athletes and officials to build lasting relationships based on mutual respect and understanding.

Respect: Respect is a fundamental value of the Olympic movement. It is about treating others with
dignity and understanding, regardless of their background, culture, or beliefs. Athletes, officials, and
spectators are expected to show respect for themselves, their opponents, and the Olympic Games. The
value of respect also extends to the environment and the promotion of sustainable development.

In summary, the Olympics’ values of excellence, friendship, and respect are intended to guide behaviour
and conduct during the Olympic Games and beyond. These values promote the highest levels of
performance, understanding, and respect among people from different backgrounds and cultures, and
the promotion of sustainable development.

Olympic Value Education

The Olympic Value Education (OVE) is an educational program that aims to promote the values of the
Olympic movement in schools and communities around the world.

Joy of Effort
• It is about the satisfaction and sense of fulfilment that comes from striving for one's goals and
putting in the effort to achieve them.
• encourages individuals to embrace the challenge of physical activity and to push themselves to
achieve their personal best.
• encourages a positive attitude towards physical activity, helping individuals to overcome obstacles
and setbacks and to enjoy the process of improving their physical fitness.
Fair Play
• It is about respecting the rules, opponents, and officials, and upholding the spirit of
sportsmanship in all aspects of competition.
• encourages individuals to compete in a spirit of mutual respect and understanding and to uphold the
principles of fair competition.
• playing by the rules, showing respect for opponents, and accepting both victories and defeat with
grace and dignity.
• aims to promote the value of fair play through a variety of activities and initiatives, such as
educational programs, workshops, and sports events.
• to promote understanding and awareness of fair play and to encourage individuals to adopt fair play
values in their daily lives.
Respect for Others
• principle of treating others with dignity, understanding, and compassion.
• respect for others encourages individuals to treat their opponents, teammates, coaches, and officials
with respect and understanding.
• refraining from unsportsmanlike behaviour such as taunting, cheating, and foul play, and instead
embracing the principles of fair play and sportsmanship.
• individuals to embrace diversity and appreciate the unique perspectives and experiences of others.
• respect for cultural, religious, and social differences, and seeking to understand and appreciate the
perspectives of others.
• The OVE program seeks to promote respect for others through a variety of initiatives, such as
educational programs, community events, and workshops.
• These initiatives aim to raise awareness of the importance of respect for others and encourage
individuals to adopt respectful attitudes and behaviours in their daily lives.
Pursuit of Excellence
• This value is based on the principle of striving to be the best that one can be and continuously
seeking to improve one's skills, knowledge, and performance.
• encourages individuals to set high goals for themselves and to work hard to achieve those goals.
• adopting a growth mind set and embracing challenges as opportunities for learning and growth,
rather than as obstacles to be overcome, taking risks, and striving for personal and professional
development.
• can be applied to all areas of life.
• encourages individuals to continuously improve themselves and to seek out opportunities for
learning and growth.
• aim to inspire individuals to set high goals for themselves and to work hard to achieve those goals,
while also promoting the importance of persistence, determination, and resilience in the pursuit of
excellence.
Balance Among Body
• This value is based on the principle of maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle that encompasses
physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
• encourages individuals to take a holistic approach to their health and fitness developing physical
strength, agility, and endurance, while also promoting mental and emotional well-being through
relaxation, mindfulness, and stress management techniques.
• encourages individuals to maintain a healthy work-life balance and to prioritize their personal and
professional goals in a way that promotes overall well-being and fulfilment.
• aims to inspire individuals to adopt healthy and balanced lifestyles that promote overall well-being
and fulfilment.
Will & Mind
• This value is based on the principle of developing mental toughness, discipline, and determination in
order to overcome challenges and achieve one's goals.
• will and mind encourages individuals to develop mental toughness and discipline in order to push
through difficult challenges and persevere in the face of adversity.
• cultivating a positive attitude and a strong sense of motivation and determination, while also
embracing the principles of goal-setting and self-discipline.
• Will and mind also extend beyond the world of sports and can be applied to all areas of life.
• encourages individuals to develop a growth mindset and to approach challenges as opportunities for
learning and growth, rather than as obstacles to be overcome.
• aims to inspire individuals to develop mental toughness and discipline, and to cultivate a positive
attitude and strong sense of motivation and determination in all aspects of their lives.

Ancient Olympics
The ancient Olympics were a series of athletic competitions held in Olympia, Greece, every four years
from the 8th century BCE to the 4th century CE. The games were held in honour of the Greek god Zeus
and were a symbol of the city-state's unity and power. The ancient Olympics were one of the most
important sporting events in the ancient world and attracted spectators from across Greece and
beyond.
The ancient Olympics were open to male citizens of Greece, regardless of their social status or wealth.
Athletes had to be freeborn Greeks and had to train for months in advance in order to compete. The
games featured a range of athletic events, including running, jumping, throwing, and combat sports.
The most famous event in the ancient Olympics was the stadion race, a foot race that was
approximately 200 meters long. Other events included the diaulos (a longer foot race), the pentathlon
(which included running, jumping, and throwing events), and the pankration (a combination of wrestling
and boxing).
The ancient Olympics were more than just a sporting event. They were also an opportunity for political
and social gatherings and were accompanied by religious ceremonies and sacrifices. During the games, a
truce was declared throughout Greece to allow athletes and spectators to travel to Olympia safely.
The ancient Olympics were eventually abolished by the Christian Roman Emperor Theodosius I in 393
CE, as part of a broader effort to suppress pagan traditions. The games remained largely forgotten until
their revival in the modern era, which began with the first modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896.
In conclusion, the ancient Olympics were a series of athletic competitions held in Olympia, Greece, every
four years from the 8th century BCE to the 4th century CE. The games were an important part of Greek
culture and attracted athletes and spectators from across Greece and beyond. While the ancient
Olympics were eventually abolished, their legacy has endured and they continue to inspire athletes and
sports fans around the world.
Modern Olympics
The modern Olympics are a multi-sport event held every four years, with athletes from around the
world competing in a range of sports. The modern Olympics were inspired by the ancient Olympic
Games and were first held in Athens, Greece, in 1896. Since then, the games have grown in size and
scope, and have become one of the world's largest and most prestigious sporting events.
The modern Olympics are governed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which is responsible
for selecting the host city, managing the games, and promoting the Olympic values of excellence,
friendship, and respect. The games are open to athletes from around the world, regardless of their
gender, ethnicity, or nationality.
The modern Olympics feature a wide range of sports, including athletics, swimming, gymnastics, and
many others. The program of events has evolved over time, with new sports being added and old ones
being dropped. The most recent addition to the Olympic program is skateboarding, which made its
debut at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
The modern Olympics are also a platform for cultural exchange and diplomacy. During the games,
athletes from different countries come together to compete in the spirit of friendship and fair play. The
Olympics also provide an opportunity for host cities to showcase their culture and history to the world.
In addition to the Summer Olympics, there is also a separate Winter Olympics held every four years. The
Winter Olympics feature sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and ice hockey, and are typically held in
colder climates.
In conclusion, the modern Olympics are a multi-sport event held every four years, featuring athletes
from around the world competing in a range of sports. The games have evolved since their inception in
1896, and have become an important platform for cultural exchange and diplomacy. The Olympics
continue to promote the values of excellence, friendship, and respect, and inspire athletes and sports
fans around the world.

Olympics Motto
• Earlier the Olympic motto is "Citius, Altius, Fortius," which is Latin for "Faster, Higher,
Stronger." The motto was proposed by Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympics,
and was first used at the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris.
• The motto represents the pursuit of excellence and encourages athletes to push themselves to new
heights. It embodies the Olympic values of determination, perseverance, and the pursuit of personal
bests. The motto is meant to inspire athletes to strive for excellence, not only in their sport but also
in their personal and professional lives.
• On 20 July 2021, the Session of the International Olympic Committee approved a change in the
Olympic motto that recognises the unifying power of sport and the importance of solidarity.
• The change adds the word “together” after an en dash to “Faster, Higher, Stronger”. The new
Olympic motto now reads: “Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together”.
• It emphasises the IOC’s message of solidarity and the belief that the world moves forward only when
it moves together, and the irresistible power of the Olympic Games to unite people, communities
and societies across the globe.

Olympics Flag
• The Olympic flag is a symbol of the Olympic Games and represents the values of the Olympic
movement. It features five interlocking rings, which are coloured blue, yellow, black, green, and
red, on a white background. The rings represent the coming together of athletes from five
continents: Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania.
• The flag was designed by Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympics, and was first
flown at the 1920 Summer Olympics in Antwerp, Belgium.
• It is raised during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games and remains on display throughout
the games.
• symbol of international unity and cooperation.
• represents the idea that, through sports, people from different cultures and backgrounds can come
together and compete in a spirit of friendship and fair play.

Olympics Oath
• The Olympic oath is a pledge taken by athletes and officials during the opening ceremony of the
Olympic Games. It is a solemn promise to uphold the principles of fair play, sportsmanship, and
respect for others in competition.
• The Olympic oath was first introduced at the 1920 Summer Olympics in Antwerp, Belgium. The
athletes' oath is typically taken by a representative of the host country's team
• It serves as a reminder to all participants that the Olympic Games are about more than just winning
medals, but about promoting fair play, sportsmanship, and respect for others.

Olympics Anthem
• The Olympic anthem is a musical composition that is played during the opening and closing
ceremonies of the Olympic Games.
• It is a symbol of the Olympic movement and represents the values of the games, including peace,
unity, and sportsmanship.
• The Olympic anthem was composed by Spyros Samaras, a Greek musician, and the lyrics were
written by poet Kostis Palamas. The anthem was first performed at the 1896 Summer Olympics in
Athens, Greece, and has been played at every Olympic Games since.
• The Olympic anthem has no lyrics, but it is a stirring instrumental piece that features a soaring
melody.

Olympic Flame
• The Olympic flame symbolizes the continuity between the ancient modern Games. Modern Games
are opened officially by runners carrying a burning torch brought from the Temple of Zeus at
Olympia.
• Except where travel by ship or plane is necessary, the torch is carried overland Greece by a relay of
athletes.
• At the site of the Games, the torch is used to light the flame of a giant torch, or cauldron, which
burns for the entire duration of the Games. The flame was first lighted at the 1928 Games.

Olympic Symbol
• The official symbol of the modern Olympic Games is five coloured interlaced rings. These rings
represent the continents of North and South America, Africa, Asia, Australia, and Europe.
• They also symbolize the uniting of athletes from all over the world to compete at the Olympic
Games. The Olympic flag, first used at the Antwerp Games in 1920, has the Olympic symbol in the
centre of a white field the Olympic rings remain a global representation of the Olympic Games.

Opening ceremony
The main points of the opening ceremony are:

1. Entrance of Head of State and IOC President

2. Playing of the national anthem
3. The parade of the athletes
4. The symbolic release of doves
5. Olympic Laurel Award
6. Official Speeches
7. Opening of the Games
8. Raising the Olympic flag and playing the Olympic Anthem
9. Athletes, judges and coaches’ oath
10. Lighting of the Olympic flame
11. The artistic programme

Closing Ceremony
The head of state or representative of the host country does not give a speech at the
closing ceremony. Finally, the Olympic flame is extinguished, marking the end of the
Games.

Olympic Movement Structure

The main constituents of the Olympic Movement are the International Olympic Committee (“IOC”), the
International Sports Federations (“IFs”) and the National Olympic Committees (“NOCs”), Others

International Olympic Committee (IOC)

International Olympic Committee (IOC) is the supreme authority of the Olympic movement formed in
June 1894. The headquarters of IOC is at Lausanne, Switzerland. It is the authority which organises the
modern Summer and Winter Olympic Games. The current president is Thomas Bach.
It is made up of 105 active members, who are elected by their peers from around the world. The
members serve for eight years and can be re-elected for one additional term.

The IOC is the main governing body of the National Olympic Committees (NOC), the international sports
federation, the athletes, the sponsors, the broadcast partners and united nation agencies.
The Role of IOC
• To encourage and support the promotion of ethics in sports as well as education of youth
• through sports.
• To dedicate its effort to ensure that in sports the spirit of fair play prevails.
• To encourage and support the organisation, development and coordination of sports and sports
competitions
• To ensure the regular celebration of Olympic games
• To cooperate with the competent public or private organisation and authorities.
• To take action in order to strengthen the unity and to protect the independence of Olympic
movement.
• To act against any form of discrimination affecting the Olympic movement.
• To encourage and support the promotion of women in sports at all levels.
NOC
• Each country that participates in the Olympic Games has its own NOC
• responsible for promoting the Olympic values within its own country and for encouraging
participation in sports and physical activity.
 • It comprises representatives from various sports organizations and governing bodies within the
country.
• responsible for selecting and organizing the country's Olympic team, the athletes who will represent
the country in the Olympic Games
• providing support and resources to those athletes in the lead-up to the Games.
• ensures the success of the Olympic Games and that the country's athletes and officials comply with
all of the rules and regulations of the Olympic Games.

IFS
• The International Federations of Sports (IFS) are the governing bodies of each individual sport
that is included in the Olympic Games and are recognized by the IOC.
• responsible for developing and enforcing the rules and regulations of their respective sports, as
well as organizing the qualifying competitions that determine which athletes will compete in the
Olympic Games.
• to ensure that the Olympic Games are organized and conducted in accordance with the Olympic
Charter and the values of the Olympic Movement.
• development and promotion of their respective sports outside of the Olympic Games.
• to encourage participation in their sports at all levels, from grassroots programs to elite
competition, and to promote the values of the Olympic Movement in all aspects of their work.
Other Members
In addition to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), National Olympic Committees (NOCs), and
International Federations of Sports (IFS), there are several other key members of the Olympic
Movement. These include:
1. Organizing Committees for the Olympic Games (OCOGs): Each edition of the Olympic Games is
organized by an OCOG, which is responsible for all aspects of the Games, including planning, financing,
and staging the event.
2. Olympic Solidarity: This is a body within the Olympic Movement that provides financial and technical
assistance to NOCs around the world, particularly those in developing countries, to help them develop
their athletes and sports programs.
3. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS): This is an independent institution that provides dispute
resolution services for sports-related disputes, including those that arise during the Olympic Games.
4. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA): This organization is responsible for promoting and
coordinating the fight against doping in sports, including at the Olympic Games.
5. The Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS): This is a subsidiary of the IOC that provides television
coverage of the Olympic Games to broadcasters around the world.
6. The Olympic Museums: There are three Olympic Museums located in Lausanne, Switzerland; Olympia,
Greece; and Seoul, South Korea. These museums showcase the history and legacy of the Olympic Games
and the Olympic Movement.
Together, these members of the Olympic Movement work to promote the values of the Olympic Games
and to ensure the success and integrity of the Olympic Games themselves.