WHAT IS SPORT? It is a physical activity done for exercise and pleasure, usually in a special area based on fixed rules.

PEOPLE’S STATE OF HEALTH IS EXASPERATING The population is decreasing. Fertility rate is 1,2 instead of 2,5 (OECD, 2007.) Lifetime is short: Men: EU 75,7 year, Hungary: 69,03 year (KSH, 2006.) Women: EU 81,9 year, Hungary: 77,35 year (KSH, 2006.) The livings are ill: „The population’s state of health is getting worse.” (Ministry of Health, 2002.) The teenager’s lifestyle is worrying: smoking (nicotine), drinking (alcohol), drugs, early sexual life, lack of exercise.

Overweight, obese children 12-18% of Hungarian children are obese. In the 1970s this proportion was only 8%. Among 40-85% of obese children obesity becomes permanent. Malnutrition, lack of exercise and sitting at home has meant that many people are becoming too fat in Hungary and also in the member states of EU % of the children are affected. Unfortunately this is getting worse and the results are poor health and increasing budget expenses. These are weakening the quality of human resources.

Nowadays the ancient Greek saying is very up-to-date: „Sound mind in a sound body”

The thoughts of Pierre de Coubertin: O Sport, pleasure of the Gods” „ O Sport, you are Audacity!” „O Sport, you are Joy!” „O Sport, you are Beauty!” „O Sport, you are Honour!” „O Sport, you are Justice!” „O Sport, you are Progress!” „O Sport, you are Peace!”

THE ROLE OF SPORTS IN OUR LIFE In the XXI. century sport should play an important role in people’s lives, and these can be competitive sports or leisure sports. Hungary is proud of its sport’s successes. Our small, but strong nation plays an important role in sports.

Nursery school In Hungary the development of skills is started between the age of 3 and 7 during nursery-school years. They participate in sports and games twice or three times a week. At this age children are very open, inquiring and their imitating skills can be developed easily.

Nursery school At this age muscular strengthening and respiration increasing exercises are essential.

Primary school In the lower classes students have PE lessons every day. In upper classes usually three lessons a week are compulsory. Between the age of 6 – 14 students learn the basic techniques of sports for example swimming, athletics, ball games, and gymnastics. Skilful students can do sport during extracurricular lessons in the afternoons.

THE DURATION OF PH Y SICAL EDUCATION IN SOME MEMBER STATES OF EU The duration of PE in minutes- the minimum and maximum. In grades 1-4 the differences are significant in the 27 member states according to a survey in 2006 by Ken Hardmann. (Ken Hardmann 2007.) CountryMinimum/MinuteMaximum/Minute Austria Slovakia France Hungary90225 In Hungary the maximum 225 minutes/ week means 5 PE lessons. Local governments in Debrecen, Hódmezővásárhely, Szolnok take advantage of the 5 PE lessons.

Secondary School 3 PE lessons/ week are compulsory There is an opportunity to do remedial gymnastics in the afternoons or easier exercises. Those skilful students who study well and are good at sports at the same time can take part in Students’ Olympic Games and can compete in athletics, ballgames (for example, basketball, handball, volleyball and football.)

University, College 2 PE lessons/ week are compulsory. Students can choose the branch of sport they like the best form the offered possibilities (for example, tennis, swimming, basketball etc.) It is compulsory to take part in two lessons a week.

In Hungary PE is the only subject which concentrates on physical development, exercise and hygiene. So it’s very important to develop this subject.

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