The Relevance of the Olympic Values Education Program post Covid-19

Authors

  • Hilla Davidov

Keywords:

Olympic education, Olympism, Olympic values, OVEP, Covid-19, Distance learning

Abstract

In facing the current Covid-19 pandemic, social dynamics have been challenged by governmental restrictions around the world. The experience of being limited by sanitary containment complemented by the onslaught of the pandemic has been dramatic for, among others, individuals who are used to sporting activities. The pandemic forced individuals and whole societies into altered lifestyles and patterns. Social interaction became increasingly digitized and educational management models were equally affected. As such, this study looks at Israel and how social isolation restrictions have caused its education system to adopt distance learning and, as a result, the use of new learning technologies as compulsory tools in the classroom.

Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, most physical education (PE) classes were held outdoors or in sports halls. The inherent nature of PE requires movement, close proximity, and activity in groups or teams. Thus, PE programs as they are currently constituted and delivered in schools do not allow for incorporating restrictive social distancing measures. 

The Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP) curriculum incorporates characteristics of current PE pedagogy and has potential for use in schools. However, the program needs to be responsive to events such as the Covid-19 pandemic and the new social reality that includes online learning. Therefore, it is beneficial to analyze how PE in general and Olympic Education in particular, can remain relevant in the post Covid-19.

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Published

2023-02-10

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Section

Articles