Olympic movement: from the past to the present

The emergence and development of the Olympic movement is still an urgent problem, interesting for many scientists. In this issue, new aspects and facets are constantly being discovered.

The Olympic movement owes much to its revival and development of Pierre de Coubertin. This public figure, sociologist and teacher developed ideological principles, theoretical and organizational bases of the Olympic movement. He was a key figure in the long process of reviving this trend. He laid the basis for the Olympic idea of rivalry and competitiveness according to the rules of fair play. Coubertin believed that the Olympic movement should be carried out under the knightly flag. For many years it developed in the spirit of pacifism, which is explained by Coubertin's incredible need for humanity in brotherhood and peace.

The Coubertin principles for the Olympic movement could be applied boldly to any branch of the society's activities, since they were based on unity and peaceful resolution of disputes. According to Coubertin, the Olympic movement must proclaim the principles of mutual respect, tolerance towards the political, religious, national views of the opponent, respect and understanding of another culture and point of view. As a teacher he hoped that the Olympic principles would pierce the process of family and public education .

Pierre de Coubertin was able to carry out a grandiose plan - to revive the Olympic Games. And although this idea was in the air throughout the century, this purposeful public figure was able to grasp the historical moment and put it into practice. He not only introduced sport into a wide practice, but also deeply comprehended its theoretical aspects, anticipating all possible problems of this area.

For the first time the full concept of Coubertin, concerning Olympism, was set out in 1892 in the Sorbonne. At that time, Coubertin was the general secretary of the French Athletics Union. Then an official proposal was made to resume the Olympic Games.

In June 1894, the Olympic movement was reborn with the consent of 10 countries. The International Olympic Committee began its existence, the Olympic Charter was adopted . The first Olympiad was scheduled for 1896 in Athens.

Ancient Greek Agon S and the modern Olympic movement are very similar. First, without the existence of agones in antiquity, there could be no question of their revival. The very name of the movement completely repeats the name of the ancient competitions. Modern Games are held with the same frequency - every four years. The purpose of the Games has not changed: they are held to maintain peace and tranquility, to strengthen the friendship of peoples. Competitions that are organized in modern Games, in many respects coincide with the competitions of ancient Greek agon: disc and spear throwing, running for short and medium distances, pentathlon, wrestling, long jumps , etc. The rituals followed by the International Olympic Movement play an important role. These rituals also have ancient Greek roots: the Olympic Flame, the Olympic Torch, the Olympic Oath. Even some rules and terms came to us along with the ancient Greek agonies.

Originating as an attempt to preserve peace, the Olympic movement continues to support this function in the modern world. At least, the revival of the Olympic Games was aimed at rapprochement of backgammon and achievement of world understanding.