Olympic education as a component in forming the culture of health and physical activity of lower secondary school pupils

The purpose of the study was to determine the influence of elements of Olympic education on the formation of a culture of health, motivation for physical activity, and the development of physical qualities in pupils of 7-9 grades. The methodology included a comparative analysis of modern elements of Olympic education and traditional elements of physical culture, as well as the conduct of a pedagogical experiment. The main results of the study demonstrated a positive impact of Olympic education on the motivational and value sphere and on pupils’ physical fitness. The experimental group showed a higher dynamics of change compared with the control group. The share of “4-5” responses regarding satisfaction with physical activity, interest in competitions, readiness to train, and the perception of Olympic values increased by 20-35%, whereas in the control group changes did not exceed 2-3%. Indicators of physical fitness also confirmed the advantages of the implemented programme. In the 30 m run, speed improved from 6.4 to 5.9 s, and in the 60 m run – from 12.2 to 11.3 s. The mean indicators of the test exercise (“shuttle run” 4×9 m) decreased from 12.8 to 11.9 s. A similar trend was observed in changes in strength indicators, namely: muscular endurance increased from 12 to 17 repetitions, explosive strength – from 157 to 173 cm. The greatest increase was recorded in the PACER test: from 56 to 78 laps, which represents an increase in distance from 1,120 to 1,560 m – an indicator that directly reflects improved aerobic endurance. The practical value of the work lies in the development of recommendations on integrating elements of Olympic education into the school physical education course, which proved its effectiveness in real conditions. The data obtained can be used by physical education teachers, school administrators, curriculum developers, coaches of children’s and youth sports schools, and specialists in out-of-school education