Living Sports History: a series of interviews with the older generation continues as part of the Shared Memories project

As part of the international project “Shared Memories: Learning from the Past for the Future of Europe” (Shared Memories), co-funded by the European Union, a series of interviews is continuing with members of the older generation, experts and prominent figures from the world of physical education and sport.

The project aims to preserve historical memory, foster intergenerational dialogue and pass on the life and professional experience of the older generation to young people. Of particular importance is the documentation of the personal stories of people whose professional and sporting careers have played a significant role in the development of physical education and sport.

NGO “YOUTH. SCIENCE. SPORT. HEALTHY MOVEMENT IN UKRAINE”, led by the project coordinator, Yaroslav Galan, PhD in Physical Education and Sport and Associate Professor, continues to conduct interviews with experts in the field of physical education and sport, as well as representatives of the older generation who possess significant professional and sporting experience.

The participants in this latest series of interviews include masters of sport, veteran athletes, experts in the field of physical education and sport, coaches, as well as athletes who continue to compete actively in the veterans’ age categories. The oldest interviewee is 84 years old.

Each participant has their own unique sporting history, significant professional achievements and many years of experience. Most of them remain active in the professional sphere to this day, working with children and young people, coaching, and passing on their knowledge, traditions and values to the next generations.

During the interview, particular attention was paid to the participants’ personal and professional journeys, their sporting achievements, personal experiences, the development of sport across different historical periods, sporting traditions and the role of mentoring in shaping the younger generation.

Such meetings are particularly valuable, as they provide an opportunity not only to preserve the unique memories and experiences of the older generation, but also to pass on important values to young people — respect for history, perseverance, responsibility, proactivity and a desire for continuous development.

A further important aspect of the interviews is the promotion of physical activity, sport and a healthy lifestyle. The personal examples set by the participants demonstrate that physical activity, sporting values and engagement in community life can remain an important part of a person’s life, regardless of age.

Overall, the series of interviews has featured prominent figures from the worlds of sport, education, science and culture, who possess significant life and professional experience. Their memories, achievements and personal stories are a vital part of preserving historical memory and passing on valuable experience to future generations.

The series of interviews as part of the Shared Memories project continues. Ahead lie new encounters, new stories and unique recollections from people whose experiences help us to better understand the past, preserve our sporting heritage and shape shared values for future generations.