Education for sports values, critical reflective methodologies, and human Bildung: from theory to practice

The main aim of our paper is to reflect upon sports values and their fundamental contribution to the growth and education of the human being in her/his lifetime. The primary values of sport (health, fair-play, peace, tolerance, friendship and so on) will be interpreted in light of a hermeneutical approach aimed to understand their essence and meaning by the anthropology of human Bildung (education). Sport is nowadays a global phenomenon, and its values need to be read through the lens of a critical interpretation aimed at deconstructing and dismantling paradoxes, contradictions, and ideologies it may entail. For this reason, in our study, we will identify the primary critical reflective methodologies and methods that can be used as a means to promote and enhance sports values within human education. In conclusion, we will stress the importance of using these techniques for the education of young people and training of sports professionals within the context of their lifelong learning.