"Olympactivity" Olympic Activity-Based Education: A Thematic Framework for Character Development through Sport

Year 2025, Volume: 30 Issue: Special Issue, 45 - 53, 26.12.2025

Gülfem Sezen Balçıkanlı

https://doi.org/10.53434/gbesbd.1830585

https://izlik.org/JA33AE63AN

Abstract

This paper presents an activity program grounded in Olympic values for implementation with children from early ages. Drawing on a theoretical framework, it elaborates on five key themes identified by the International Olympic Committee (IOC)—Joy of Effort, Fair Play, Respect for Others, Pursuit of Excellence, and Balance between Body, Will, and Mind—through practical and educational examples. The purpose is not merely to define these values but to illustrate how they can be effectively taught through engaging, experience-based, and value-oriented activities. The five Olympic educational themes underscore sport as both a physical and moral phenomenon, highlighting the importance of character education and ethical awareness. Sample activities related to each theme are provided to guide educators in fostering Olympic values through games and experiential learning.

Keywords

Olympic education , Olympic values , character development , physical education , activity-based learning

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