The Olympic Movement and Volyn Athletes: A Historical and Analytical Study

Abstract

Relevance. The Olympic movement is an important component of global and national sports culture, combining competitive activity, humanistic values, and international cooperation. In the context of the development of physical culture and sport in Ukraine, particular importance is attached to studying the regional contribution to shaping the country’s Olympic potential. The Volyn region, with its established sporting traditions and well-developed athlete training system, plays a significant role in representing Ukraine at the Summer Olympic Games. At the same time, scholarly research has insufficiently systematized the historical and analytical data concerning the participation of Volyn athletes in the Olympic movement and the role of regional institutions in this process. Purpose of the study. To conduct a historical and analytical analysis of the athletes from the Volyn region participation in the Summer Olympic Games during the period 1960–2024 as well as to determine the role and contribution of the Regional Branch of the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine in the Volyn region to the development of the Olympic movement, athlete training, and the formation of the region’s sporting image. Research methods: historical-chronological analysis; analysis of archival and documentary sources; content analysis of official statistical materials of the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine; generalization and systematization of empirical data. Results of the study. The article presents a chronological overview of the participation of Volyn athletes in the Summer Olympic Games, identifies the dynamics of the region’s representation, and analyzes the range of sports disciplines. It has been established that the largest number of participants and performances were recorded in athletics, rowing, wrestling, and cycling. The main sporting achievements are summarized, and the organizational role of the Regional Branch of the NOC in the Volyn region in supporting the Olympic movement is outlined. Conclusions. The results of the study confirm the significant contribution of the Volyn region and its Olympic institutions to the development of the national Olympic movement and provide a foundation for further regional research.