Olympism and Human Rights: A Critical Analysis Comparing Different National Olympic Education Programmes in Europe

Olympic Education is responsible for educating on human rights, which is examined in this study across twelve European countries. Responses from NOAs leadership positions and written information show that human rights are explicitly and implicitly included as an educational theme in contemporary Olympic Education programmes. There are parallels between human rights education and Olympic Education.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 95 pages
Publication date: 02 April 2022
Publisher: Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden

The Olympic Movement, guided by the principles of Olympism, and the United Nations have a shared responsibility to promote education on human rights. This research aims to examine the extent to which this call is being addressed in contemporary European Olympic Education. Twelve national Olympic Education programmes from Armenia, Austria, Belarus, Croatia, Hungary, Israel, Germany, Lithuania, Portugal, Russia, Slovenia, and Spain are analyzed and compared. Responses from individuals holding leadership positions within National Olympic Academies (NOAs) to a semi-standardized research questionnaire, as well as written information provided by NOAs regarding their implemented national Olympic Education programmes, were collected during February to May 2021.

A content analysis is conducted to examine the inclusion of human rights as an educational theme in these programmes. The findings indicate that human rights are explicitly and implicitly incorporated as an educational focus in contemporary Olympic Education.

There are notable parallels between human rights education and Olympic Education. Both initiatives aim to foster values such as respect, equality, and dignity, which are fundamental to the promotion of a just and peaceful society. Additionally, both educational frameworks recognize the importance of education in promoting social change and addressing societal challenges.

The study highlights the need for continued efforts to integrate human rights education into Olympic Education programmes across Europe. This can be achieved through the development of comprehensive curricula, the provision of training for educators, and the promotion of dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders. By doing so, Olympic Education can play a more significant role in promoting human rights and creating a more inclusive and equitable society.

In conclusion, this research explores the presence of human rights in contemporary European Olympic Education. The findings indicate that human rights are being explicitly and implicitly included as an educational theme in these programmes. Parallels between human rights education and Olympic Education are drawn, highlighting the shared values and goals of promoting respect, equality, and dignity. Continued efforts are necessary to integrate human rights education into Olympic Education to create a more inclusive and equitable society.

Weight: 168g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783658370756
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022