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Study the past if you would define the future.

Confucius

In order to take steps forward one needs to look back.

Look at the images below of historical events in physical activity and sports and select one that piques your interests or connects to you.



This is the discussion icon. Assignment 1: Reflection on Images

Answer the following questions:

  • What does the chosen image mean to you? Make a list of 3-5 words that come to mind about your selected image.
  • Can you think of some reasons for the historical significance of the image and/or what it may represent?
  • Can you make a personal connection to what is displayed in the image and your own history with respect to physical activity and sports?
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Looking Back

Since the first steps taken by humans on Earth, being physically active has played an integral role in the social, economic and political landscape. From the Ancient Mesoamerican "Ball Game" played in 1,400 BCE to the billion dollar industry of professional sport seen today, physical activity and subsequently sport has played a key role in all aspects of global political, religious, and social life.

Use the learning tool below to examine selected historical events that have played a role in the way physical activity and sport is participated in and viewed in today’s society.

Long Description

This is the dropbox icon. Assignment 2: Comparing Historical Significance

Using the learning tool, complete the following graphic organizer to compare the historical significance of the four selected events. Remember to access the toolkit for research tips to help you search the Internet to gather your information.

This is the dropbox icon. Assignment 3: Your History

Part A:

Often when studying major events in history, there is a tendency to think more on a global scale. The ripple effect of major historical outcomes may not be immediately evident as it could take generations for events to be felt at the national and then local levels.

Complete the following chart by researching three events of your choosing (one international, one national and one local) and reflect on their historical significance and impact on physical activity and sport today.

Part B:

Once you have researched your events, rank them in order of importance to you and give an explanation as to why you put them in the order that you did. In your explanation be sure to make reference to the three key areas (Prominence at the Time, Consequence, and Resulting Effect) and the category of the event you researched in the previous comparison that you completed in your notebook.

When history and culture come together in Sport:

Spirit of Being Active: Indigenous Peoples of North America and the celebration of sport

Do you know what Canada’s national sport is? Is it hockey or basketball or soccer? No, it’s lacrosse! The game, that has First Nations origins, was adapted by early French settlers, given the name “la crosse” (the French word for "cross" used to describe the original stick and net used to play) is seen as the greatest contribution of Indigenous peoples to Canadian and international sport.

Playing sports and being physically active is not viewed solely as a means to compete, it is deeply rooted in the traditional and cultural fabric of Indigenous peoples and is celebrated as a way of life.

View the following three videos to learn more about Indigenous peoples and the meaning of physical activity and sport to them.

This is the dropbox icon. Assignment 4: Video Reflection

After watching the three videos on Games specific to the Indigenous cultures of North America and specifically Canada, reflect and respond to the following questions:

  • What observations can you make?
  • What do you observe about the overall spirit of the games and from those interviewed?
  • What appears to be the general mindset of those participating with respect to the spirit of the games and competition?
  • How would you compare these observations with those of individuals competing in the Olympics, in games/sport in your community and professional sport?
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This is the dropbox icon. Assignment 5: Image Reflection

It is often said that "a picture is worth a thousand words".

Choose a single image that speaks to you and represents your place in the historical landscape of physical activity and sport. The image can be of you and/or taken by you or an image that you have found that best reflects your history. Once you have selected your image answer the following questions:

  1. How does this image represent your historical, social and cultural background related to physical activity and sport?
  2. Compare, contrast and make connections to how your own historical social and cultural experiences in physical activity and/or sport "fit into" the global history of physical activity and sport? Consider how your own history relates to one of the three historical events you chose to research in the previous activity.
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