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Fair Play in Lifesaving Sport
Athens, Greece 2024. The Greek Lifesaving Sports Association published the book “Fair Play in Lifesaving Sport” authored by Dr Stathis Avramidis and Dr Ioanna Mastora, endorsed by 8 international organizations and saluted by 13 prestigious authorities, to enhance fair championships and assist the Olympic aspiration of the world’s only humanitarian sport.
INTRODUCTION
The ancient Olympic Games were born in Greece. The Olympian competitors were idolised. Fair play was important in the Greek society. The founder of the modern Olympic Games, Baron Pierre de Coubertin, was inspired by the ancient glory and dedicated his life to resurrect the Olympic spirit.
Likewise in ancient times, today every sporting activity should be governed by the rules of the sport. Everyone involved in sports is obliged to abide by the sport rules. Throughout the world, fair play seems to be established as a term in the minds of those who engage with sports.
This book carries a great symbolism because it was published by a Greek organization
in the motherland of the Olympic Games. It aims to establish a solid foundation
based on which lifesaving sport will create a mindset of a healthy behaviour
that preserves public health. Because the International Life Saving Federation
strives to include lifesaving sport in the Olympic Games, these rules will also
preserve the Olympic values, will guide everyone involved in training and
championships, and will assist the Olympic aspiration of the world’s only
humanitarian sport.
ENDORSEMENTS
The book is endorsed
by the following 8 organizations: Greek Lifesaving Sports Association, International Federation of
Swimming Teachers’ Association, International Life Saving Federation, International
Life Saving Federation of Europe, International Pierre de Coubertin Committee, International
Swimming Hall of Fame, Mediterranean Lifesaving Confederation, Princess
Charlene of Monaco Foundation.
SALUTATIONS - REFLECTIONS
Overall 13 prestigious authorities commented the book and reflected on its content:
The President of the International Lifesaving Federation, Graham Ford AO, said: “Greece gave birth to the Olympic Games and teaches us fair play.” (more).
The Secretary General of the International
Lifesaving Federation, Dr. Harald
Vervaecke PhD, said: “Sport lifesavers
prepare not only for medals but for saving lives.”
The Creator-Director-Producer of the TV series Baywatch, Gregory J. Bonann, said: “Words
matter only when shining fair play examples set fire to our hearts!”
The President of the Hellenic Olympic Winners
Association, Stavroula Zygouri, OLY, said: “The true meaning of sports is not
winning but the joy of participation.”
The President of the Hellenic Olympians Association, Voula Kozompoli, OLY, “Sport lifesavers compete for the “trophy” to keep fit for saving a life.” (more).
The President of the International Life Saving
Federation of Europe, Dr Detlev Mohr PhD, said: “This book may inspire young heroes.”
The Vice President of the International
Federation of Swimming Teachers’ Association, Brendon Ward, said: “This book allows us to look at the
bright side of the moon with safety.”
The President of the Mediterranean
Lifesaving Confederation, Dott Giorgio Quintavalle, said: “It is
in our blood to save lives and compete in a fairly manner.”
The 12-time Olympic medalist, inductee and Board Member of the International Swimming Hall of Fame, Dara Torres, said:
“Fair play protects the essential values of lifesaving sport and saves.”
The Chairman of the
Board of the International Swimming Hall of Fame, Dr Bill Kent, said: “Fair lifesaving sport games remind
us the neglected Olympic term ‘safer’.”
The Director/CEO of the Olympic
Museum of Thessaloniki and Vice President of the Hellenic Olympic Academy, Dr.
Kyriaki Oudatzi, said: “Lifesaving sport
connects the dots of Olympics, health, and emergency.”
The Princess Charlene of Monaco
Foundation, said: ““Lifesaving sport teaches us how to help a person in distress.”
The
President of the International Piere de Coubertin Committee, Prof. Stephan
Wassong, said: “Fair Play is particularly present in the
Coubertinian Olympic Oath, which is sworn by athletes and judges at the Olympic
Games.”
CONTENT
The book addresses various issues including landmarks and legends, the
golden rules of fair play, the element of sportsmanship, the belief that fair play
concerns everyone, the code of sport ethics (that involves governments, sports
federations, clubs, committees, judges, competitors, coaches,
parents, physicians, spectators and fans, researchers, media, sponsors),
the need for establishing sports spirit committees, ways of teaching the fair play
principles, fair competition strategies, examples of unfair play and shining examples,
and various educational games.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS - GLSA
Dr Stathis Avramidis, is the GLSA President, Teacher of Lifeguarding and Lifesaving Sport at the University of Athens, Board Member of the International Swimming Hall of Fame and Secretary General of the Mediterranean Lifesaving Confederation.
Dr Ioanna Mastora is an accomplished academic and scholar with numerous publications and awards about Olympism and sport pedagogy that have been published in all the continents.
The Greek Lifesaving Sports Association is an organization that strives to enhance public health from aquatic related fatalities, through various water safety and lifesaving sport activities, such as magazine, books, conferences, championships, programs and teachings. More: http://sportlifesaving.blogspot.com/
