Sporting values
Sport is also used to promote positive values in society generally. By demonstrating these values on and off the field, sportspeople become positive role models, particularly for young people.
Olympic values
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) defines the three Olympic values.
- Excellence - someone doing the best they can, in sport and in life. It is about taking part and striving for improvement, not just winning.
- Friendship - using sport to develop tolerance and understanding between all people 鈥 performers, spectators and citizens generally.
- Respect - having consideration for oneself, others and the wider environment. It includes respecting the rules of sport and the officials who uphold them.
Paralympic values
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) defines the four Paralympic values.
- Courage - someone rising above their circumstances and showing their true worth.
- Determination - someone pushing themselves to the limit in order to achieve what they set out to do.
- Inspiration - being a positive role model 鈥 someone using their achievements to lead the way for others.
- Equality - recognising that people have equal worth whatever their differences and taking action to overcome prejudice and discrimination.
Inspired by sporting values
Many sports and sporting events have a set of values. Schools and community sports groups often use these as inspiration to develop their own sets of values. They encourage young people to apply these values to all areas of school, work and life 鈥 not just to sport. For example, linked to the School Games, young people achieve personal excellence through six values 鈥 honesty, teamwork, respect, self-belief, passion and determination.