The appearance and development of the Olympic movement is still an urgent problem, interesting for many scientists. New issues and facets are constantly being discovered in this matter.
The Olympic movement owes much to its revival and development to Pierre de Coubertin. This
public figure, sociologist and teacher developed the ideological principles, theoretical and organizational foundations of the Olympic movement. He was a key figure in the long process of reviving this movement. He laid the foundation of the Olympic idea rivalry and competition according to the rules of fair play. Coubertin believed that the Olympic movement should be carried out under the knight's flag. Over the years, it developed in the spirit of pacifism, which Coubertin is explained by the incredible need of mankind for brotherhood and peace.
Coubertin's principles for the Olympic movement could be safely applied to any branch of society, as they were based on unity and peaceful resolution of disputes. According to Coubertin, the Olympic movement should proclaim the principles of mutual respect, tolerance in relation to the political, religious, national views of the opponent, respect and understanding of another culture and point of view. As a teacher, he hoped that Olympic principles would permeate the process of family and social education.
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Pierre de Coubertin was able to realize a grandiose plan - to revive the Olympic Games. And although this idea was in the air throughout the whole century, this purposeful public figure was able to capture the historical moment and put it into practice. He not only introduced the sport into widespread practice, but also deeply comprehended its theoretical aspects, foreseeing all possible problems in this area.
Coubertin's complete concept of Olympism was first set forth in the Sorbonne in 1892. Coubertin was Secretary General of the French Athletics Union at that time. Then an official proposal was made to resume the Olympic Games.
In June 1894, the Olympic movement was revived by agreement of 10 countries. The International Olympic Committee began to exist, the Olympic Charter was adopted. The first Olympics was scheduled for 1896 in Athens.
Ancient greek agon
s and the modern Olympic movement are very similar. Firstly, without the existence of agons in antiquity, there could be no question of their revival. The name of the movement itself repeats the name of ancient competitions. Modern Games are held at the same frequency - once 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. The competitions that are organized at the modern Games largely coincide with the competitions of the ancient Greek agon: discus and spear throwing, short and medium distance running, pentathlon, wrestling,
long jumps , etc. The rituals that follow the International Olympic Movement play a large 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 agons.
Born as an attempt to preserve peace, the Olympic movement continues to support this function in the modern world. At the very least, the revival of the Olympic Games was aimed at bringing races back together and reaching global understanding.