Olympic Studies Centre launches new series of resources on Pierre de Coubertin and his vision for the Olympic Movement
The new materials offer a treasure trove of information about the founder of the modern Olympic Movement for the benefit of educators, researchers and writers.
With the Olympic Games Paris 2024 less than a month away, the Olympic Studies Centre (OSC) unveils a suite of new resources on Pierre de Coubertin, all available freely through the Olympic World Library and aim at facilitating a better understanding of the man and his educational and humanistic vision for the Olympic Movement.
“As we approach Paris 2024, we wish to shine a spotlight on Coubertin and enable research and knowledge about the French ‘father of the Olympics’ to be as accessible as possible. This effort is also part of our broader mission to foster Olympic education and studies,” Maria Bogner, Head of the Olympic Studies Centre, explained..
The four new resources include:
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A complete and detailed reference document, available in English and French, offering an easily-accessible in-depth exploration of Coubertin's life, vision, influences and achievements. With 61 short texts by Coubertin experts from all corners of the world, the meticulously-sourced document provides a complete overview on Coubertin's path to reviving the modern Olympic Games and his vision of sport as a means for education and promoting peace and international understanding.
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The “Discovering Coubertin” educational programme, available in French, English, Spanish, Portuguese and Japanese, is designed to engage young people in the exploration of Coubertin's original words and writings. This resource encourages learning, reflection and discussion about topics ranging from the role of sport in society to the vision, symbols and values of the Olympic Games.
The programme provides materials for educators seeking to discuss the topics of sport and the Olympic Games with pupils and students over 15 years, and can be used within a range of subjects such as history, language classes, philosophy or social studies. -
The OSC’s newest resource is an extensive collection of Coubertin's writings. This digital repository is a treasure trove of primary sources, offering direct access to over 220 Coubertin's speeches, articles and publications. The materials were published between 1886 and 1936, making it an indispensable historical resource for researchers and students.
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These resources are complimented by a useful document dedicated to his timeless quotes. Easily accessible, translated into English and French and thematically structured, they provide insight into Coubertin's thoughts on topics ranging from art, athletes, culture, education, sport, youth, Olympism and many others.
On top of this new content, existing resources includes a thematic ZOOM-IN on Pierre de Coubertin, featuring a wide selection bibliographic resources, as well as 9.7 linear meters of his archives linked to education or Olympism held in the IOCs historical archives and which are accessible at the Olympic Studies Centre.
“We hope that these new resources will be useful for many and encourage members of the educational and academic communities, but also professionals working within the Olympic Movement, to explore and promote conversation and knowledge about Pierre de Coubertin and his vision,” Bogner concluded.