ANDREW DECELIS
DIRECTOR/LECTURER INSTITUTE FOR PE AND SPORT
Christian values can be transmitted in different contexts in children’s lives. The school curriculum offers a unique arena to foster these values. The aim of this presentation is to show how Physical Education can be a very effective tool to convey Christian values and to present a philosophy of PE and sport that reflects these values. The basis of an understanding of Physical Education and sport is a holistic vision of life based on biblical foundations. This subject aims for the restoration of God’s image in us, hence the importance of focusing on education of the physical and about the physical. Physical educationists claim to develop the physical, cognitive and affective domains and moral reasoning is one aspect of the latter. It also builds the confidence and competence to pursue lifelong physical activity and to make the best use of one’s leisure time. A particular emphasis is made on educating through the physical. Sport metaphors used in Paul’s epistles will be used to elicit a number of values that children can learn through this subject. Amongst these values one finds commitment, discipline, effort, persistence, perseverance, determination, respect for oneself and others, teamwork and fair play, aiming to educate more responsible adults. However, the transmission of these values is not an automatic result of any Physical Education programme. It all depends on the philosophy and objectives of the school and the physical education teacher.