Sporting Unity: Overcoming Colonial Legacies through Olympic Education

Programme(s): Erasmus+ (ERASMUS+)
Topic(s): ERASMUS-EDU-2024-VIRT-EXCH
Type of action: ERASMUS Lump Sum Grants
Project ID: 101193211

Objective: In a world of globalGeneral objective: To foster cross-cultural understanding and promote critical thinking about the historical and contemporary issues related to Olympic Education and colonialism. The Olympic Games have a long history dating back to ancient Greece, and they continue to be asignificant global event. However, the relationship between Olympic education and colonialism is not often discussed. This topic recognizes the historical connections between the modern Olympic movement and the colonial era, as well as the impact of colonialism on Olympic education and the Games themselves. Olympic Movement and Colonialism The modern Olympic Games were revived in 1896 by Frenchman Pierre de Coubertin, who sought to promote international peace and understanding through sports. Coubertin believed that the Olympic Games could serve as a means of fostering national pride, as well as encouraging friendsh ip and cooperation between nations. However, the Olympic movement emerged during a time when European colonial powers were expanding their empires and dominating much of the world. Colonialism influenced the Olympic movement in several ways: Eurocentrism: The early Olympic Games were predominantly dominated by European countries and their athletes. This Eurocentric focus in the organization and representation of the Games reflected the power dynamics of the colonial era, with colonized countries being under represented and marginalized. Exclusion of indigenous sports: The Olympic program has historically focused on sports that were popular in Europe or had European origins, often excluding traditional sports practiced by non - European and colonized peoples. This has led to criticism that the Olympic Games perpetuate Eurocentric values and norms, overshadowing the rich diversity of global sporting traditions. Racial and cultural stereotypes: Throughout the history of the Olympic Games, there have been instances where racial and cultural stereotypes were perpetuated.