Gymnastic and sports activities of the society «Sokil» at the late 19th and beginning 20th century.

Abstract

Objective. To analyze the gymnastic and sports activities of the Sokol movement in Galicia and Bukovina in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and to identify its place in the physical culture and sports movement of that time. Research method. Theoretical analysis and generalization of scientific and methodological literature. Results. By the nature of its activities, the society was a patriotic organization that, through physical education, sought to comprehensively develop the personality, form its civic position and sense of patriotism. To achieve its goal, the society solved such tasks as: developing physical qualities, forming discipline, moral and volitional qualities, strengthening the health of participants, creating a methodological and material base, training teachers and sports instructors. In its activities, «Sokil» relied on the principles of harmonious development of the personality, forming a healthy lifestyle, combining various methods and means, covering representatives of different age groups, as well as a connection with labour and defence practice. The means of physical education were physical exercises, sports and folk games. Forms of organizing classes included motor skills classes, sports training, flash mobs and health and hygiene work. Teaching methods included verbal, visual, game and competitive approaches. The Sokil movement contributed to the spread of physical education among youth, which was reflected in the growth of the number of centres and the increase in the number of young Sokols. The Sokil movement contributed to the spread of physical education among youth, which was reflected in the growth of the number of centres and the increase in the number of young Sokols. Conclusions. At the end of the 19th century, physical culture was at the stage of its formation. The Sokil Gymnastics and Sports Society played a leading role in the development of the physical culture and sports movement in Western Ukrainian lands, introducing general physical education, sports and applied activities. The rukhanka became the central element of physical activity. Sokil popularized physical culture and sports among Ukrainian youth, introducing folk games, and ensured the continuity of the national system of physical education.