Page 76 - Olympism in Socialism

international sports organizations and
federations and supports the efforts aimed at the
achievement of close cooperation between the
national and international sports executives
within the framework of the UNESCO and the
European Sports Conference. The GDR is
represented in 85 international and European
sports federations as well as sports science
organizations.
Today 117 GDR representatives hold
altogether 151 positions in international sports
forums.
All these facts show that the sports movement
of the GDR has succeeded in utilising wisely the
advantages offered by the socialist system. It is
this which explains the successes achieved by the
GDR athletes in international competitions.
However, there are still quite a few branches in
which the GDR does not occupy top positions.

SPORTS FROM EARLY CHILDHOOD
Particular attention and care are devoted to
sports for children and the youth, because sports
greatly help the development of young people’s
personalities. They strengthen the body and
inculcate courage, perseverance and teamwork.
They stimulate the younger generation’s striving
for better performance. Apart from compulsory
lessons at educational institutions which provide
basic physical and sports training of children and
youth, extra-curricular activities are also very
important.
Lessons in sports are compulsory for all
pupils at the primary and secondary schools. Like
all other lessons they are based on integrated
curricula. In the context of a comprehensive
education they impart such traits, abilities and
skills which prepare them for participation in
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