Environmental Protection – An Indispensable Pillar of Olympic Education Programmes

Abstract

The following contribution focuses on the development of environmental protection as an indispensable pillar of Olympic Education Programmes since the 1990s, which brought about a turning point in Olympic Education.

The article presents successful examples of incorporating the aspects of the environment and sustainability into Olympic Education Programmes by three host cities of the Olympic Games: Lillehammer (1994), Sydney (2000) and London (2012). Not only did they achieve outstanding results at these events, but they also reached large groups of students in their countries and internationally as well as other target groups of the population; thus, leaving a legacy in the host countries and beyond. 

The concluding part highlights initiatives by the International Pierre de Coubertin Committee (CIPC) to promote environmental protection and sustainability within the International Network of Pierre de Coubertin Schools and presents concrete examples realised by the author.