Olympic Value Education PDF

UNIT 2 Olympic Value Education 2.1 OLYMPISM – CONCEPT AND OLYMPICS VALUES (EXCELLENCE, FRIENDSHIP AND RESPECT) CONCEPT OF OLYMPISM Olympism is a philosophy of life that places sport at the service of humanity. This...

UNIT 2 Olympic Value Education 2.1 OLYMPISM – CONCEPT AND OLYMPICS VALUES (EXCELLENCE, FRIENDSHIP AND RESPECT) CONCEPT OF OLYMPISM Olympism is a philosophy of life that places sport at the service of humanity. This philosophy is based on the interaction of the qualities of the body, will, and mind. Olympism is expressed through actions that link sport to culture and education. This philosophy is an essential element of the Olympic Movement and the celebration of the Games. It is also what makes them unique. The pursuit of this ideal and the other “fundamental principles of Olympism” [set out in the Olympic Charter] gives rise to a series of values, which are applicable both on the field of play and in everyday life. FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF OLYMPISM 1. Olympism is a philosophy of life, exalting and combining in a balanced whole the qualities of body, will and mind. Blending sport with culture and education, Olympism seeks to create a way of life based on the joy of effort, the educational value of good example, social responsibility and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles. 2. The goal of Olympism is to place sport at the service of the harmonious development of human kind, with a view to promoting a peaceful society concerned with the preservation of human dignity. 3. The Olympic Movement is the concerted, organised, universal and permanent action, carried out under the supreme authority of the IOC, of all individuals and entities who are inspired by the values of Olympism. It covers the five continents. It reaches its peak with the bringing together of the world’s athletes at the great sports festival, the Olympic Games. Its symbol is five interlaced rings. 4. The practice of sport is a human right. Every individual must have the possibility of practicing sport, without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit, which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play. 5. Recognising that sport occurs within the framework of society, sports organisations within the Olympic Movement shall apply political neutrality. They have the rights and obligations of autonomy, which include freely establishing and controlling the rules of sport, determining the structure and governance of their organisations, enjoying the right of elections free from any outside influence and the responsibility for ensuring that principles of good governance be applied. 6. The enjoyment of the rights and freedoms set forth in this Olympic Charter shall be secured without discrimination of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, sexual orientation, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. 7. Belonging to the Olympic Movement requires compliance with the Olympic Charter and 30 Physical Education – XI recognition by the IOC. OLYMPICS VALUES (EXCELLENCE, FRIENDSHIP & RESPECT) The values of EXCELLENCE, RESPECT AND FRIENDSHIP are identified by the Olympic Movement as the essential values of Olympism. They are the desired outcomes of participation by elite athletes in Olympic sport competitions. These values are highlighted in all of the Olympic Games and in the Youth Olympic Games. Excellence : Excellence means doing the best we can, on the field of play or in our professional life. The important thing is not winning, but taking part, making progress and enjoying the healthy combination of body, will and mind. This value refers to giving one’s best, on the field of play or in life, without measuring oneself with others, but above all aiming at reaching one’s personal objectives with determination in the effort. It is not only about winning but mainly about participating, making progress against personal goals, striving to be and to do our best in our daily lives and benefiting from the combination of a strong body, will and mind. Friendship : Friendship is at the heart of the Olympic Movement. It encourages us to see sport as an instrument for mutual understanding between individuals, and between people all over the world. Men and women are at the centre of the Olympic Movement’s focus on encouraging the links and mutual understanding between people. This value broadly refers to building a peaceful and better world through solidarity, team spirit, joy and optimism in sport. The Olympic Games inspire humanity to overcome political, economic, gender, racial or religious differences and forge friendships despite those differences. The athletes express this value by forming life-long bonds with their team mates, as well as their opponents. Respect : This value represents the ethical principle that should inspire all the participants in the Olympic programmes. This includes respect for yourself and your body, for other people, for rules and regulations, for sport and for the environment. It thus refers to the fair play that each athlete has to display in sport, as well as avoiding doping. 2.2 OLYMPIC VALUE EDUCATION – JOY OF EFFORT, FAIR PLAY, RESPECT FOR OTHERS, PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE, BALANCE AMONG BODY, WILL AND MIND The Olympic Values Education is based on the Olympic philosophy that learning takes place through the balanced development of body and mind. The core values also include the following five educational values which have been incorporated from three domains of learning: Mental, Emotional, and Physical: 1. Joy of effort 2. Fairplay 3. Respect for others 4. Pursuit of excellence, and 5. Balance in life between body, will and mind. 1. Joy of Effort: Joy of effort underlines that young people develop and practice physical, behavioral and intellectual skills by challenging themselves and each other in physical activities, movement, games and sport. 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, even if the outcome is uncertain. It celebrates the satisfaction Physical Education – XI 31 and pride that comes with striving for excellence, regardless of the final result. Olympic athletes often exemplify this value through their dedication and perseverance in training and competition. 2. Fairplay: Fair play is about respecting the rules, opponents, and officials, and upholding the spirit of sportsmanship in all aspects of competition. It encourages individuals to compete in a spirit of mutual respect and understanding and to uphold the principles of fair competition. This means playing by the rules, showing respect for opponents, and accepting both victories and defeat with grace and dignity. The value of fair play extends beyond sports and can be applied to all aspects of life. It encourages individuals to act with integrity, honesty, and respect towards others, and to uphold the principles of fairness and justice in their interactions with others. 3. Respect for Others: This value is based on the principle of treating others with dignity, understanding, and compassion. It encourages individuals to treat their opponents, teammates, coaches, and officials with respect and understanding. This means refraining from unsportsmanlike behaviour such as taunting, cheating, and foul play, and instead embracing the principles of fair play and sportsmanship. Respect is above all a feeling that takes into account another person. It encourages individuals to embrace diversity and appreciate the unique perspectives and experiences of others. This means showing respect for cultural, religious, and social differences, and seeking to understand and appreciate the perspectives of others. 4. Pursuit of Excellence: A pursuit in excellence can enable young people to make positive, appropriate choices and move forward towards the best in any aspect of life. 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. The pursuit of excellence encourages individuals to set high goals for themselves and to work hard to achieve those goals. This means adopting a growth mindset and embracing challenges as opportunities for learning and growth, rather than as obstacles to be overcome. It also extends beyond sports and can be applied to all areas of life. It encourages individuals to continuously improve themselves and to seek out opportunities for learning and growth. This means embracing challenges, taking risks, and striving for personal and professional development. 5. Balance in life between body, will and mind: It suggests that learning takes place in the whole body, not just in the mind, and physical literacy and learning through movement contributes to the development of both moral and intellectual learning. This concept was the cornerstone of Pierre de Coubertin’s interest in reviving the Olympic Games. It encourages individuals to take a holistic approach to their health and fitness. This means developing physical strength, agility, and endurance, while also promoting mental and emotional well-being through relaxation, mindfulness, and stress management techniques. It 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. It also encourages individuals to develop a growth mindset and to approach challenges as opportunities for learning and growth, rather than as obstacles to be overcome. 2.3 ANCIENT AND MODERN OLYMPICS Ancient Olympics (Before 1896) The ancient Olympic Games were organized in honour of Zeus, the ruler of Greek gods and goddesses, as a part of a religious festival. Olympic Games or Olympics get their name from Mount Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece or Olympia, a town in Elis in ancient Greece. The festival 32 Physical Education – XI and games began in 776 BCE at Olympia. At first, the only event at Olympia was the foot race. Later, sprints wearing full armour, and longer races, were added. Chariot racing and combat sports such as boxing and wrestling were soon regular features too. The open-air track for horse racing was called a hippodrome. The participants were free male citizens of different city states within Greece. All participants had to receive 10-month training prior to the Olympic Games. Women were not allowed to participate in the games. They were not even allowed to attend or witness the games. There was, however, a loophole to this rule – chariot owners, not riders, were declared Olympic champions and anyone could own a chariot. Kyniska, daughter of a Spartan king, took advantage of this, claiming victory wreaths in 396BCE and 392BCE. The games were conducted every four years and the period between two games was known as Olympiad. The month when the Olympic Games were held was considered a sacred month and all disputes and wars would be stopped and peace would be declared to facilitate the movement of spectators and athletes. Initially, the truce lasted for one month but in later centuries it was extended to three. No wars were permitted, no arms could be carried in the territory of Elis and no hindrance was to be given to any spectator or athlete travelling to the games wherever they came from and whichever territory they had to cross. For the first 12 Olympics, the stadion foot race was the only event and it remained the most prestigious event throughout the history of the Games. The race was run over one length (a stadion) of the stadium track, 600 ancient feet or 192 m and preliminary heats were held with the winners of the heats going into the finals. Over time other events were added to the Games to bring the total Programme to 18 events spread over five days. Sports that were included in the ancient Olympic Games included foot race, chariot race, horse race, Pentathlon (running, long jump, discus throw, javelin throw and wrestling), boxing, wrestling, Pancratium etc. Athletes were grouped by lot, and in the interest of fairness, this was also the way pairings were matched in the other events. The eventual winner of the stadion would even give his name to that particular Games and so be remembered for all time. Koroibos a Greek cook, baker and athlete from Elis, won the stadion race in the first recorded Ancient Olympic Games in 776BCE. The opening ceremony of the Ancient Olympic Games started with an assembly of the competitors, their coaches, their fathers, their brothers and the judges in the council house in front of the statue of Zeus to take the oath. The competitors took an oath that they would not use unfair means and would participate in the games as per rules and regulations. The Judges pledged that they would be fair and honest in the judgments during the games. During the march past, the announcer/ commentator announced the name, father’s name and city of the competitor in public and asked whether anyone from the spectators had any kind of objection as regards to their eligibility. In the times of the ancient Olympic Games, there was only one winner. The Olympionic (the winner of the Olympic Games) was immediately rewarded after the competition. A herald announced the name of the winner, then he was awarded olive leaves plucked from the temple of Zeus and that was the highest honour. They tied a ribbon of red wool, a taenia, around his head and hands in a sign of victory. The official prize ceremony took place on the last day of the Games in the raised hall in the Temple of Zeus. In a loud voice, the herald announced the name of the Olympic victor, his father and his city. Then a Hellanodikos placed a crown made of an olive branch, the kotinos, on the winner’s head. Returning to his hometown, the athlete was welcomed as a hero and was given numerous advantages for the rest of his life. To show that he had become famous, the athlete had the right to have his statue erected, among other things. The Olympiad was named after the name of the winner of 200 yards race. The winner’s names Physical Education – XI 33 and his figure were engraved on stone by sculptors and poems were written in their name to honour them. The Roman Emperor Theodosius I legally abolished the games in 393 or 394 A.D. It was found that the games had lost their original values due to corruption and foul play. Modern Olympic Games (After 1896) In the 19th century, it was felt that bringing together youth, in the spirit of ancient Olympic competitions, would not only contribute to the development of healthy youth but also lay a foundation of peace in the world. The credit for reviving the ancient Olympic games went to a French Baron, Pierre de Coubertin, who was born in Paris on 1st January 1863. As a young man, Coubertin had refused careers in literature, history, and as an M.P. and had chosen to work in the field of sociology and education. For this reason, he was a great admirer and propagator of school sports. Due to his efforts, the first inter-school athletic games were held in Paris in 1889. This was his first step in the direction of revival of the Olympics on an international scale. According to Prof. Carl Diem of Germany, it was the love of peace and respect for life that drove Coubertin to the idea of reviving the Olympic Games. Coubertin, due to his untiring efforts, succeeded in organising a “Congress” on the 23rd of June 1894, that decided to revive the ancient Olympic Games from the soil of their birth, i.e., Greece in 1896. Thus Coubertin had won at last. It was in 1896 in the stadium in Athens (Greece) that the first Olympic Games of the modern era were held. The funds for this meeting were made available by donations from George Averoff of Greece. In these Olympic games, there were 44 contests and it lasted from March 24th to April 3rd, 1896. The U.S.A. won 11 contests, Greece 10, Germany 7, England and France 5 each, Austria and Hungary 2 each, Denmark and Switzerland one each. Spyridon Louis, a shepherd of Greece had won the Marathon race at Athens in 1896. The second Olympics were held in Paris in 1900 and the 3rd in St. Louis, USA. These two Olympics were a failure as they had been organized with the world fairs. To revitalize the ancient custom, the contests were held again in Athens (Greece) in 1906. Since then, except in 1916, 1940 and 1944, when these Olympics were cancelled due to World Wars I and II, these Olympics have been held at regular four-yearly intervals. Year City Country Year City Country 1896 Athens Greece 1964 Tokyo Japan 1900 Paris France 1968 Mexico City Mexico 1904 St. Louis United States 1972 Munich West Germany 1906* Athens Greece 1976 Montreal Canada 1908 London United Kingdom 1980 Moscow Soviet Union 1912 Stockholm Sweden 1984 Los Angeles United States 1916 Cancelled because of World War I 988 Seoul South Korea 1920 Antwerp Belgium 1992 Barcelona Spain 1924 Paris France 1996 Atlanta United States 1928 Amsterdam Netherlands 2000 Sydney Australia 1932 Los Angeles United States 2004 Athens Greece 1936 Berlin Germany 2008 Beijing China 34 Physical Education – XI  1940 Cancelled because of World War II 2012 London United Kingdom 1944 Cancelled because of World War II 2016 Rio de Janeiro Brazil 1948 London United Kingdom 2020 Tokyo Japan 1952 Helsinki Finland 2024 Paris France 1956 Melbourne Australia 2028 Los Angeles United States 1960 Rome Italy 2032 Brisbane Australia *1906: The 1906 Intercalated Games are no longer considered official Games by the IOC. These were organised to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Modern Olympic Games. Therefore, these games were not organised at the interval of four years. Summer Olympic Games The Summer Olympic Games or the Games of the Olympiad first held in 1896, is an international multi-sport event that is hosted by a different city every four years. The most recent Olympics were held in Tokyo, Japan. The International Olympic Committee organizes the games and oversees the host city’s preparations. In each Olympic event, gold medals are awarded for first place, silver medals are awarded for second place, and bronze medals are awarded for third; this tradition began in 1904. The Winter Olympic Games were created due to the success of the Summer Olympics. Olympics have increased in scope from a 42-event competition with fewer than 250 male competitors from 14 nations in 1896 to 302 events with 10,768 competitors (5,992 men, 4,776 women) from 204 nations in 2012. Eighteen countries have hosted the Summer Olympics. The United States has hosted four Summer Olympics (1904, 1932, 1984, 1996), more than any other nation, and Great Britain has hosted three Summer Olympics (1908, 1948, 2012), all in London. Four cities have hosted two Summer Olympics: Athens (1896, 2004), Paris (1900, 1924), Los Angeles (1932, 1984), and Tokyo (1964, 2020). Tokyo is the first city outside of the Western world to host the Summer Olympics multiple times. Asia has hosted the Summer Olympics four times (1964, 1988, 2008 and 2020) in Japan, South Korea, and China. The only Summer Olympics held in the Southern Hemisphere have been in Australia (1956, 2000) and Brazil (2016). The 2016 Games were the first Summer Olympics to be held in South America and the first to be held during the local winter season. Africa has yet to host a Summer Olympics. Only five countries–Greece, Australia, France, Great Britain, and Switzerland–have been represented at every Summer Olympic Games. The only country to have won at least one gold medal at every Summer Olympic Games is Great Britain. The United States leads the all-time medal table. Winter Olympic Games The Winter Olympic Games is a major international sporting event that occurs once every four years. Unlike the Summer Olympics, the Winter Olympics feature sports practiced on snow and ice. The first Winter Olympics, the 1924 Winter Olympics, were held in Chamonix, France. The original five sports (broken into nine disciplines) were bobsleigh, curling, ice hockey, Nordic skiing (consisting of the disciplines military patrol, cross-country skiing, Physical Education – XI 35 Nordic combined, and ski jumping), and skating (consisting of the disciplines figure skating and speed skating). The Games were held every four years from 1924 until 1936, after which they were interrupted by World War II. The Olympics resumed in 1948 and was again held every four years. Until 1992, the Winter and Summer Olympic Games were held in the same years, but in accordance with a 1986 decision by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to place the Summer and Winter Games on separate four-year cycles in alternating even-numbered years, the next Winter Olympics after 1992 were in 1994. The Winter Games have evolved since its inception. Sports and disciplines have been added and some of them, such as Alpine skiing, luge, short track speed skating, freestyle skiing, skeleton, and snowboarding, have earned a permanent spot on the Olympic programme. The Winter Olympics has been hosted on three continents by eleven different countries. The Games have been held in the United States four times (1932, 1960, 1980, 2002); in France three times (1924, 1968, 1992); and in Austria (1964, 1976), Canada (1988, 2010), Japan (1972, 1998), Italy (1956, 2006), Norway (1952, 1994), and Switzerland (1928, 1948) twice. Also, the Games have been held in Germany (1936), Yugoslavia (1984), and Russia (2014) once. The IOC has selected Beijing, China, to host the 2022 Winter Olympics. No city in the southern hemisphere has hosted or even been an applicant to host the Winter Olympics; the major challenge preventing one from hosting the games is the dependence on winter weather, and the traditional February timing of the games falls in the middle of the southern hemisphere summer. Twelve countries – Austria, Canada, Finland, France, Great Britain, Hungary, Italy, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland and the United States – have sent athletes to every Winter Olympic Games. Six of those – Austria, Canada, Finland, Norway, Sweden and the United States – have earned medals at every Winter Olympic Games, and only one – the United States – has earned gold at each Games. Norway leads in terms of the number of gold medals and the overall number of medals. 2.4 OLYMPICS – SYMBOLS, MOTTO, FLAG, OATH AND ANTHEM The values and meaning of Olympism are expressed by the Olympic symbol (the five rings) and other identifying Olympic elements (the flame, the torch relay, the motto, the maxim, the anthem and the oaths). These make it possible to transmit a message simply and directly. They give the Olympic Movement and the Games their own identity. THE OLYMPIC SYMBOL : THE FIVE RINGS A very powerful symbol, the five rings are the visual representation of Olympism. It was Pierre de Coubertin himself who designed the symbol. The five rings represent the five continents. They are interlinked to show the universality of Olympism and how athletes from all over the world come together for the Olympic Games. On the Olympic flag, the rings appear against a white background. Combined in this way, the six colours of the flag (blue, yellow, black, green, red and white) represent all the nations. It is therefore not the case that each of the colours is associated with a particular continent. Today, the symbol is one of the most widely recognised in the world. Its use is subject to very strict rules enacted by the IOC. It is important to note that there is just one Olympic symbol. 36 Physical Education – XI THE MOTTO AND MAXIM (CREED) A motto is a phrase or a few words expressing a way of life or a code of conduct. The Olympic motto is composed of three Latin words: CITIUS-ALTIUS-FORTIUS, which means FASTER – HIGHER – STRONGER. These three words encourage the athletes to give their best when they compete. To better understand the motto, we can compare it with the Olympic maxim: “The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not winning but taking part; the essential thing in life is not conquering but fighting well.” Taken together, the Olympic motto and maxim represent an ideal which Coubertin believed in and promoted as an important lesson for life learned from taking part in a sports activity and the Olympic Games. Giving one’s best and striving for personal excellence form a laudable goal. This is a lesson which still holds true today, not just for athletes but for every one of us. The three Latin words became the Olympic motto in 1894, when the IOC was created. Pierre de Coubertin proposed the motto, which he had borrowed from his friend Henri Didon, a Dominican priest who taught his pupils sport near Paris. The idea for the maxim came later, following a sermon given by the Bishop of Pennsylvania, Ethelbert Talbot, during the 1908 Games in London. OLYMPIC FLAG The Olympic Flag was created in 1913 at the suggestion of Baron de Coubertin. It was first solemnly inaugurated in Paris in June 1914 and first time it was hoisted by Coubertin in the Olympic stadium at the Antwerp Olympic Games which were held in 1920. Olympic flag is made of white silk. Since the flag was intended to spread the message of peace around the world, through the Olympic movement. On the white base of this Olympic flag there are five rings of different colours viz. yellow, green, red, blue and black, which represent five continents of the world viz. America, Europe, Australia, Asia and Africa. The interlocking of rings/circles symbolises cooperation and friendship. THE OLYMPIC EMBLEM For each Olympic Games, a unique Olympic emblem is designed, incorporating the iconic Olympic rings along with distinctive elements. The creation and proposal of these emblems are carried out by either the Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (OCOG) or the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of the host country. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) holds the responsibility of approving the Olympic emblems for the Games. These emblems are widely used in promotional materials, by Olympic sponsors, and featured on the uniforms of all Olympic competitors. It is important to note that all Olympic emblems are owned by the IOC. TORCH The tradition of the Olympic flame dates back to the 1928 Amsterdam Olympic Games, serving as a symbol that connects the ancient and modern Games. The lighting of the Olympic flame takes place at the Temple of Hera in Olympia, where the rays of the sun are focused using a parabolic mirror to ignite a flame. From there, a relay of runners carries the torches to the host city of the Physical Education – XI 37 Games, culminating in the lighting of a cauldron to officially declare the Games open. The flame continues to burn until it is extinguished during the Closing Ceremony. It is important to note that the torch is not passed between runners; instead, the flame is transferred to a new torch for each participant. This tradition began in 1936 during the Berlin Games, when a relay involving 3,331 runners carried the flame through various countries. Since then, similar relays have taken place for every Summer Games, with the flame traveling by plane between cities and relayed by foot within the host city. Being chosen as a torchbearer is considered an honor, often bestowed upon local residents with a history of community service, as well as athletes and celebrities. Since 1964, the Winter Games have also included a torch relay starting from Olympia, further extending the symbolic tradition of the Olympic flame. THE ANTHEM AND OATH The Olympic anthem and the oaths (taken by an athlete, a referee and a coach) are part of the official protocol of the Olympic Games opening ceremonies. Those who take them are nationals of the host country, and they hold a corner of the Olympic flag as they say the words. The Olympic anthem was composed by Spiros Samaras (music) and Kostis Palamas (words). Although played for the first time in 1896, at the first modern Games in Athens, it became the IOC’s official anthem only in 1958. The Olympic Anthem “O Ancient immortal Spirit, pure father Of beauty, of greatness and of truth, Descend, reveal yourself and flash like lightning here, within the glory of your own earth and sky. At running and at wrestling and at throwing, Shine in the momentum of noble contests, And crown with the unfading branch And make the body worthy and ironlike. Plains, mountains and seas glow with you Like a white-and-purple great temple, And hurries at the temple here, your pilgrim, O Ancient immortal Spirit, every nation.” Like the athletes at the ancient Games, today’s Olympic athletes take an oath. The words of this oath were written by Pierre de Coubertin, and it was spoken for the first time at the 1920 Games in Antwerp. The referees’ oath first featured at the Opening Ceremony of the Games in 1972, while the coaches’ oath was introduced at the 2012 Games in London. It is important to note that the oaths have been modified over the years to reflect the changing nature of sports competition. For example, the reference to doping was added to the athletes’ oath at the 2000 Games in Sydney. Olympic Oath “We promise to take part in these Olympic Games, respecting and abiding by the rules and in the spirit of fair play, inclusion and equality. Together we stand in solidarity and commit ourselves to sport without doping, without cheating, without any form of discrimination.” 38 Physical Education – XI OLYMPIC MEDALS At the Olympic Games, medals are awarded to the winners as a recognition of their achievements. The first-place winner is awarded a gold medal, the second-place receives a silver medal, and the third-place or runner-up is presented with a bronze medal during the official awards ceremony on the podium. Additionally, participants from first to eighth place receive diplomas, and all participants are given commemorative medals as a token of their participation. During the awards ceremony, the National Anthem of the winning athlete’s country is played, adding to the significance of the moment. The tradition of awarding medals at the Olympic Games has evolved over time. In the early years of the Modern Olympic Games, which began in 1896, winners were initially given a silver medal along with an olive branch, while runners-up received a laurel branch and a copper or bronze medal. In the 1900 Games, many winners were presented with cups or trophies instead of medals. It wasn’t until the 1904 Summer Olympics in St. Louis, Missouri, United States, that the current custom of awarding gold, silver, and bronze medals to the first three places was introduced. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) later retroactively assigned gold, silver, and bronze medals to the top three athletes in each event of the 1896 and 1900 Games, establishing the consistent sequence of medals we see today. Medal designs have varied considerably since the first Olympic Games in 1896, particularly in size and weight. However, the IOC has laid down the physical properties of the medals and has the final decision about the finished design though the medals are developed by the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of the country hosting the Games. Recipients: The top three competitors receive medals Shape: Usually circular, featuring an attachment for a chain or ribbon Diameter: A minimum of 60mm Thickness: A minimum of 3mm Material: First place (Gold medal): It is composed at least 92.5% of silver, plated with 6 grams of gold. Second place (Silver medal): 92.5 % silver. Third place (Bronze medal): It is 97.0% copper with 0.5% tin and 2.5% zinc. Event details: The sport for which the medal has been awarded should be written on the medal. 2.5 OLYMPIC MOVEMENT STRUCTURE – IOC, NOC, IFS, OTHER MEMBERS The three main constituents of the Olympic Movement are the International Olympic Committee (“IOC”), the International Sports Federations (“IFs”) and the National Olympic Committees (“NOCs”). At its head is the IOC, which is the supreme authority governing it. The following diagram shows how the Olympic Movement is structured: Physical Education – XI 39  In addition to its three main constituents, the Olympic Movement also encompasses the Organising Committees of the Olympic Games (“OCOGs”), the national associations, clubs and persons belonging to the IFs and NOCs, particularly the athletes, whose interests constitute a fundamental element of the Olympic Movement’s action, as well as the judges, referees, coaches and the other sports officials and technicians. It also includes other organisations and institutions as recognised by the IOC. INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE (IOC) The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is the supreme authority of the Olympic Movement. It holds the rights to the Olympic Games, the Olympic symbol (the five rings) and the other identifying elements of the Olympic Movement. The IOC’s main decisions (including choosing the host cities of the Games, the composition of the sports programme and electing new members) are taken during Sessions, the IOC’s general assemblies, which are held yearly and bring together all the 115 IOC members. These members represent the IOC and the Olympic Movement on a volunteer basis in their countries. They are not their countries’ delegates within the IOC. The IOC President represents the IOC and presides over all its activities. He or she is elected in a secret ballot by the Session. In the past there were no limits, but today each President is limited to an eight-year term, and may be re-elected once for a further four-year term of office. The IOC administration is placed under the responsibility of a director general, who manages it under the President’s authority. Around 500 people currently work at the IOC headquarters in Lausanne, in Switzerland. MISSION AND ROLE OF INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE As per Olympic Charter, the mission of the IOC is to promote Olympism throughout the world and to lead the Olympic Movement. The IOC’s role is: 1. To encourage and support the promotion of ethics and good governance in sport as well as education of youth through sport and to dedicate its efforts to ensuring that, in sport, the spirit of fair play prevails and violence is banned. 2. To encourage and support the organisation, development and coordination of sport and sports competitions. 3. To ensure the regular celebration of the Olympic Games. 4. To cooperate with the competent public or private organisations and authorities in the endeavour to place sport at the service of humanity and thereby to promote peace. 5. To take action to strengthen the unity of the Olympic movement, to protect its independence, to maintain and promote its political neutrality and to preserve the autonomy of sport. 6. To act against any form of discrimination affecting the Olympic movement 7. To encourage and support elected representative so athletes with in the Olympic movement, with the IOC athletes’ commission acting as their supreme representative on all Olympic games and related matters. 8. To encourage and support the promotion of women in sport at all levels and in all structures with a view to implementing the principle of equality of men and women; 9. To protect clean athletes and the integrity of sport, by leading the fight against doping, and by taking action against all forms of manipulation of competitions and related corruption. 10. To encourage and support measures relating to the medical care and health of athletes. 11. To oppose any political or commercial abuse of sport and athletes. 40 Physical Education – XI  12. To encourage and support the efforts of sports organisations and public authorities to provide for the social and professional future of athletes. 13. To encourage and support the development of sport for all. 14. To encourage and support a responsible concern for environmental issues, to promote sustainable development in sport and to require that the Olympic games are held accordingly. 15. To promote a positive legacy from the Olympic games to the host cities and host countries. 16. To encourage and support initiatives blending sport with culture and education 17. To encourage and support the activities of the International Olympic Academy (IOA) and other institutions which dedicate themselves to Olympic education. ORGANIZATION AND SETUP OF INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE The powers of the International Olympic Committee are exercised through the following three organs: The Session The IOC Executive Board The President The Session: The Session is the general meeting of the members of the IOC. It is the IOC’s supreme organ. Its decisions are final. An ordinary Session is held once a year. Extraordinary Sessions may be convened by the President or upon the written request of at least one third of the members. Every member has right of one vote. The main decisions like choosing city for Olympic games sports Programmes, electing new members etc. are taken in the session and its decisions are final. Powers of the Session are: 1. to adopt or amend the Olympic Charter; 2. to elect the members of the IOC, the Honorary President, honorary members and honour members; 3. to elect the President, the Vice-Presidents and all other members of the IOC Executive Board; 4. to elect the host city of the Olympic Games; 5. to elect the city in which an ordinary Session is held, the President having the authority to determine the city in which an extraordinary Session is held; 6. to approve the annual report and financial statements of the IOC; 7. to appoint the independent auditor of the IOC; 8. to decide on the awarding or withdrawal by the IOC of full recognition to or from NOCs, associations of NOCs, IFs, associations of IFs and other organisations; 9. to expel IOC members and to withdraw the status of Honorary President, honorary members and honour members; 10. to adopt or amend the Athletes’ Rights and Responsibilities Declaration upon recommendation of the Athletes’ Commission and to promote respect for this Declaration within the Olympic Movement; 11. to resolve and decide upon all other matters assigned to it by law or by the Olympic Charter. The Quorum required for a Session is half the total membership of the IOC plus one. Decisions of the Session are taken by a majority of the votes cast; however, a majority of two-third soft he votes cast is required for any modification of the Fundamental Principles of Olympism, of the Rules of the Olympic Charter, or if elsewhere provided in the Olympic Charter. Each member has one vote. Abstentions and blank or spoiled votes are not taken into Physical Education – XI 41 consideration in the calculation of the required majority. Voting by proxy is not allowed. Voting is held by secret ballot when so required by the Olympic Charter, or if the Chairman so decides or upon the request of at least a quarter of the members present. In the event of a tie, the Chairman shall decide. The Session may delegate powers to the IOC Executive Board. The IOC Executive Board: The Executive board was founded in 1921 to manage the affairs of IOC. The Board consist of the President, four Vice-Presidents and ten members who are elected by the IOC members in the session by secret ballot by a majority of votes cast. The Executive Board undertakes overall responsibility for the administration and management affairs of IOC. As per Olympic charter it performs following duties: 1. it monitors the observance of the Olympic Charter; 2. it approves all internal governance regulations relating to its organisation; 3. it establishes an annual report and the financial statements of the IOC in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards and Swiss law, which it submits to the Session for approval together with the report of the auditor; 4. it submits a report to the Session on any proposed change of Rule or Byelaw; 5. it submits to the Session the names of the persons whom it recommends for election to the IOC; 6. it establishes and supervises the procedure for accepting and selecting candidatures to organise the Olympic Games; 7. it establishes the agenda for the Sessions; 8. upon the proposal of the President, it appoints – or dismisses – the Director General. The President decides on his compensation and may take sanctions; 9. it provides for the safe keeping of all minutes, financial statements and other records of the IOC in compliance with the law, including minutes of all Sessions, IOC Executive Board and other commission or working group meetings; 10. it takes all decisions, and issues regulations of the IOC, which are legally binding, in the form it deems most appropriate, such as, for instance, codes, rulings, norms, guidelines, guides, manuals, instructions, requirements and other decisions, including, in particular, but not limited to, all regulations necessary to ensure the proper implementation of the Olympic Charter and the organisation of the Olympic Games; 11. it organises periodic meetings with the IFs and with the NOCs at least once every two years. Such meetings are chaired by the IOC President, who determines the procedure and the agenda after consultation with the relevant bodies; 12. it creates and confers the honorary distinctions of the IOC; 13. it exercises all powers and performs all duties not attributed by law or by the Olympic Charter to the Session or to the President. The President: The President is elected by the IOC members in the session through secret ballot for a period of four years, which can be renewed for further four years. The President is the representative of IOC and is responsible for organization and preparation of all Executive meetings. He may give his power to the Director General. He can execute any action or decision on behalf of IOC. If the President is unable to fulfil his work, the senior Vice President can replace him. NATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEES (NOCs) A National Olympic Committee is responsible for developing and defending the Olympic Movement 42 Physical Education – XI within its country. As part of this remit and in accordance with the Olympic Charter, NOCs are instructed by the IOC to select, organise and manage their respective national delegation to the Olympic Games. They are responsible for entering athletes, selected by the national federations, for the Olympic Games. They provide equipment, transport and accommodation for delegation members. They decide what clothing, uniforms and equipment their athletes should use during sports competitions at the Olympic Games. They also decide which city in their particular country should be proposed as a candidate to host the Olympic Games. There are 206 NOCs. The IOC is the sole authority to recognise a NOC. Together with the International Sport Federations, the NOCs are a constituent of the Olympic Movement under the leadership of the IOC. The mission of the NOCs is to develop, promote and protect the Olympic Movement in their respective countries, in accordance with the Olympic Charter. For Example : In India, The Indian Olympic Association act as NOC which is a non-profit organization under the Societies Registration Act of 1860 founded by Sir Dorabji Tata as President and Dr A.G. Noehren as Secretary General in 1927. In the same year the association was recognized by the International Olympic Committee. The prime objective of the Association was to promote and develop Olympic movement in India. In the early years, IOA selected sportspersons to represent India, but after 1947 they gave the responsibility of selection and training to the National Sports Federations. Now they only arrange transport, board and accommodation for officials and sports persons. The Indian Olympic Association is the governing body for the Olympic Movement and the Commonwealth Games in India. It is also an affiliated member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC). IOA is recognized by Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The IOA looks after several aspects of sports and sportspersons which includes sending athletes or teams to represent India in the Olympic Games, Common wealth Games, Asian Games and other international multi-sport competitions of IOC, CGF, OCA and ANOC. The members of the IOA include Ø National Sports Federations affiliated to International Sports Federations whose sport is included in the Programme of the Summer and Winter Olympic Games. Ø National Sports Federations affiliated to International Sports Federations whose sport is not included in the Programme of the Summer and Winter Olympic Games but is included in the Programme of all Asian and/or Common wealth Games. Ø Indian citizens who are member/s of the International Olympic Committee. Ø Two (one male and one female) active athletes or retired athletes having taking part in the Olympic Games; subject to the condition that the retired athletes must retire from their post Physical Education – XI 43  latest by the end of the third Olympiad after the last Olympic Games in which they took part. Ø State Olympic Associations Ø Union Territories’ Olympic Associations Ø Services Sports Control Board Ø The National Federation of the Indian game Kho-Kho. INTERNATIONAL SPORTS FEDERATIONS (IFs) The International Sports Federations (IFs) are responsible for the integrity of their sport on the international level. The International Sports Federations are international non-governmental organisations recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as administering one or more sports at world level. The national federations administering those sports are affiliated to them. While conserving their independence and autonomy in the administration of their sports, International Sports Federations seeking IOC recognition must ensure that their statutes, practice and activities conform with the Olympic Charter. The IFs have the responsibility and duty to manage and to monitor the everyday running of the world’s various sports disciplines, including for those on the programme, the practical organisation of events during the Games. The IFs must also supervise the development of athletes practising these sports at every level. Each IF governs its sport at world level and ensures its promotion and development. They monitor the everyday administration of their sports and guarantee the regular organisation of competitions as well as respect for the rules of fair play. The IFs may formulate proposals addressed to the IOC concerning the Olympic Charter and the Olympic Movement in general, including the organising and holding of the Olympic Games; give their opinions concerning the candidatures for organising the Olympic Games, particularly concerning the technical capabilities of the candidate cities; collaborate in the preparation of the Olympic Congresses; and participate in the activities of the IOC commissions. During the Olympic Games, the IFs are responsible for the practical organisation of the sports events on the programme. All the technical aspects of a sport are their responsibility: the rules, equipment, venues, judging, etc. Here are some examples of Olympic federations: Summer sports l International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) l International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) l International Cycling Union (UCI) Winter sports l International Ski Federation (FIS) l International Skating Union (ISU) l International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) The Organising Committees for the Olympic Games (OCOGs) The Organising Committees for the Olympic Games (OCOGs) are responsible for the practical organisation of the Games. The OCOG’s task is enormous. From the moment when the city is selected to host the Games, there are only seven years left to put in place all the necessary arrangements. Based on the plans proposed in its Candidature File, the Organising Committee must create or update the competition venues, stadiums, training halls and the Olympic Village as well as provide all of the organisational infrastructure necessary for the smooth running of the Games. To do this, the OCOGs work closely with the IFs. It also has to put in place an efficient transport system and 44 Physical Education – XI