Implementing Sport for Peace Principles with Elementary School Student Leaders

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to create a program for elementary school student leaders in the United States (U.S.) that utilized sport and physical activity as teaching tools for developing positive values, social competencies, and sportspersonship related to peaceful living. Participants were male and female students from the Midwest of the U.S. that were 4th and 5th graders. Data was collected both prior to and at the close of the program via a sportspersonship survey and a conflict resolution scale. The trend in the data supported the hypotheses that the “Sport for Peace” program would yield positive outcomes in relation to increasing participants? use of functional conflict resolution skills, and their respect for the social conventions found in sport, respect for others while engaging in physical activity, and respect and concern for their opponent. The findings support continued efforts in the fields of sport for peace and positive youth development.