Olympic Ideals Worksheet Olympic Ideals
Excellence • Friendship • Respect
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Date:
The Core Values
The Olympic Games are about more than just winning medals. Since the modern games began in 1896, they have been built on three core values: Excellence, Friendship, and Respect . These ideals are meant to inspire athletes and people all over the world to be their best selves, both on and off the field.
1. Excellence
Excellence means doing your best, on the field of play or in your daily life. It is not only about winning, but also about participating and making progress.
"The important thing in life is not the triumph, but the struggle." — Pierre de Coubertin
Think about it
Think of a time you worked hard to improve at something, even if you didn't "win." How did it feel to see your progress?
2. Friendship
Friendship is at the heart of the Olympic Movement. It encourages us to see sport as a tool for mutual understanding between individuals and people from all over the world.
The Handshake Challenge
In the scenario below, how could you show the value of Friendship ?
"Your biggest rival in swimming just beat your personal best time by 0.1 seconds to take the gold medal. You are disappointed, but they are celebrating nearby."
3. Respect
Respect includes respect for yourself, for your body, for others, for the rules and regulations, and for the environment. In sport, it means playing fair and rejecting doping or any unethical behavior.
Spot the Respect!
Check the boxes that show the Olympic value of Respect :
Listening carefully to the referee's decision, even if you disagree.
Shouting at a teammate who made a mistake during a play.
Following the safety rules of the stadium or arena.
Helping an opponent get up after they have fallen down.
Blaming the equipment when you don't perform well.
The Olympic Pledge
How will you bring these values into your own life? Choose one value to focus on this week and write your pledge below.
My Chosen Value:
My Pledge (What I will do):
Citius, Altius, Fortius - Communiter
Olympic Spirit Slides Olympic Spirit
Excellence • Friendship • Respect
The Movement
The Olympic Games are the world's greatest sporting event, held every four years.
More than just a competition, they are a global movement built on shared values that promote peace and unity through sport.
"The World United"
The Three Core Values
Excellence
Giving your best effort in everything you do.
Friendship
Building bridges and understanding others.
Respect
Fair play and honoring yourself and others.
Excellence
Excellence is not about being the best; it is about being your best.
Focusing on personal progress.
The joy of participation and effort.
Balancing mind, body, and will.
"The most important thing is not to win but to take part!"
Friendship
Sport is a powerful tool to bring people together, regardless of where they come from.
In the Olympics, athletes from over 200 countries live and eat together in the Olympic Village, making friends across borders.
Overcoming differences through shared passion.
Respecting opponents as fellow athletes.
Respect
"Fair play is not just following the rules; it's a way of thinking."
Self Respect
Taking care of your body and mental health. Honesty in your actions.
Rules & Environment
Honoring the traditions of the game and protecting our planet.
Class Discussion
?
Can you think of a famous athlete who shows these values? How do they do it?
Olympic Spirit Teacher Guide Teacher Resource
Olympic Spirit
Facilitation Guide & Answer Key
Learning Objectives
Identify and define the three core Olympic values: Excellence, Friendship, and Respect.
Analyze real-world scenarios through the lens of Olympic ideals.
Reflect on personal goals and how to apply these values in daily life.
Preparation
Distribute the Olympic Ideals Worksheet to each student. Display the Olympic Spirit Slides during the introduction. This lesson is designed for a 45-60 minute session.
Quick Pacing
10m
Intro & Slides (The Movement)
20m
Deep Dive & Worksheet Sec 1-2
15m
Scenario Analysis & Discussion
10m
Personal Pledge & Wrap-up
Discussion Facilitation
On Excellence:
Ask: "Can you think of a time someone failed but still showed excellence?" (Highlight resilience and effort over outcome).
On Respect:
Ask: "Why is it sometimes harder to respect someone who is winning?" (Discuss envy vs. appreciation of skill).
Key Themes to Emphasize
Humanity First
The opponent is a partner in the game, not an enemy.
Inclusivity
Friendship bridges religious, political, and cultural gaps.
Character
Excellence is a habit formed through daily small choices.
Worksheet Answer Key
Section 1: Excellence Reflection
Guidance: Look for answers that focus on growth, effort, and determination rather than just victory. Example: "I practiced my scales on the piano every day for a month. I didn't play perfectly at the recital, but I was proud because I remembered the difficult parts that I used to skip."
Section 2: Handshake Challenge
Key Response Points:
Congratulating the opponent immediately.
Recognizing the hard work the opponent must have put in.
Focusing on the shared love for the sport rather than the loss.
Section 3: Spot the Respect!
Listening carefully to the referee's decision, even if you disagree.
Shouting at a teammate who made a mistake during a play.
Following the safety rules of the stadium or arena.
Helping an opponent get up after they have fallen down.
Blaming the equipment when you don't perform well.
