Abstract

Sport history, coined in the forge of ages, embodies an understanding of the human ideal that integrally bonds physical beauty and moral generosity inside. Humanistic ancient Greek ideals, that declare the training of body’s beauty and grace, sports spirit, generosity and honesty, still are the major humankind value as they have been for many centuries already. The heritage of athletes, coaches and scientists of Vilnius Pedagogical University (founded in 1935, until 1992 – Pedagogical Institute) is of major importance; it can be proud of and will be followed by future generations. Vilnius Pedagogical University has cherished and nurtured pedagogical trends and schools of its own, has educated such pedagogical scientists as L. Jovai a, B. Bitinas, V. Rajackas, J. Vaitkevičius, M. Lukšienė, M. Karčiauskienė, V. Jakavičius, Z. Bajorūnas, J. Laužikas, J. Uzdila, S. Kregždė, M. Barkauskaitė, R. Grigas and others. Physical education and sport have never lacked consideration of outstanding pedagogues, they were discussed as a social phenomenon and a very important part of public culture; some pedagogical and psychological student-athletes’ training and performance development aspects, students’ health problems were discussed and analysed as well. The supreme impulse in developing students’ sport activity was given by Faculty of Physical Education, Music and Singing, founded in 1957. Teachers of physical education, human anatomy and physiology were educated there. The first dean of the faculty was Vytautas Kulakauskas, famous basketball expert and docent. This faculty had been reorganized into the Faculty of Nature and Geography in 1961, where pedagogues of double specialities – geography and physical education, biology and physical education were prepared; and later in the Faculty of History specialists of history and physical education were prepared, too. Students of those specialities were trained in the Department of Theory and Methodology of Physical Education. Another Department of Sports and Games was established in 1980. The names of departments were changed into Physical Education and Sport Methodology Department in 1991. The Department of General Physical Education had major input in physical training of future pedagogues as well as in developing physical education and sport. Sport club “Šviesa” and Sport Center had also made their contribution in the training process of best student athletes and teams, and in organization of sport activity. One of the main parts of science is the prestigious journal “Sport Science”, established 15 years ago; the journal is published by Lithuanian Academy of Physical Education, Lithuanian Olympic Academy, and Lithuanian Sport Science Council in cooperation with Vilnius Pedagogical University. Students of Vilnius Pedagogical University have won eleven gold, three silver and six bronze medals in the Olympic Games. Three students have become Olympic record-breakers. Besides the Olympic Games, ten students are winners of World Championships, eight record breakers, twenty are champions of World Universiades. University itself is not only the past and traditions; it is also a dynamic today’s life. This life can never be blown out by winds of changes or reforms. It is fundamental to create the university where spirituality, moral, tolerance, understanding, culture and ability to evaluate of what we have would take a greater part. Verf.-Referat