Sport and Education in History

This volume gathers a considerable number of papers from expert historians and young researchers in the field of sport and physical education who assembled in Italy from 34 different countries. These scholars contributed extensively to the success of the VIII ISHPES Congress which was held in Urbino (Italy).

The Proceedings of this ISHPES congress provide a new historical overview of the main theme of the Congress, Sport and Education in History, which was investigated in its various forms and in different epochs and cultures. Of great interest in this respect was the tendency to include basic gymnastics and sports in scholastic institutions, from elementary to university levels, so as to contribute in the formation of nations, citizenships and gender identities. Whether in antiquity or the modern era, any time the personal care of the body becomes a state concern, then there is a renewed need to educate and give cohesion to the social fabric; this in turn has stimulated debates, financial reassessments and new options among thinkers, physicians, teachers and political leaders. The promotion of physical activities for adults during their free time has been another means of education and social integration; such sporting activities can occur either at public or private associations, but the sense of belonging to a unique or different group can often put sport at the service of political propaganda.

In conclusion, problematic relationships between sport and education can be observed in different societies and organizations from all over the world; this is especially true at the present time since modern sports concern themselves not only with education, health and recreation but also with marketing, business and national pride.