Military sporting events in the Balkans

Abstract

Military sporting events are planned and prepared, and in a given period of time performed, sports events of public interest, involving members of armed forces of one or more countries, with the aim to demonstrate, compare and improve their knowledge and skills in sports through competitive or non-competitive sport activities. As regards their nature and targeted effects, the military sports events can be: training, competitive, scientific research, development, military professional, informative, humanitarian, and special ones. Military sports, as key element of sporting events in the armed forces, include typical military sports (military multi-sports events), sports of military nature (martial arts, sport shooting, fencing, parachuting, orienteering, biathlon), and any other team and individual sports that are practiced in an organized manner in military units and institutions. The first competitions, which had been organized since ancient times in order to get winners in various sports disciplines, were conducted among soldiers, in the Balkans exactly, which suggests a very long tradition and rich history of military sporting events in the region. In Ancient Times, the most famous competitions of this type were the ancient Olympic Games. In the Middle Ages, military sporting events were knight tournaments and duels. Across Europe, including the Balkans, there were various organizations of knights, which represented specific forms of professional army. In the late 19th and early 20th century, in several Slav countries, including Serbia, Sokol societies were founded, which promoted physical exercise and the fight for liberation and unification of Slav nations. Sokol sports meetings and events may be partly considered as military sporting events as well, because the Sokol movement was approved in the military, and soldiers and officers were regular participants of these events. In the 21st century, the main objectives of the military sporting events have been: the development of friendship and solidarity among members of the armed forces; the promotion of physical education and sports; the contribution to balanced and harmonious development of military personnel; and strengthening of peace, security, trust and cooperation in the world. By taking part in these activities, members of armed forces develop their courage, mental stability and physical condition, promote the values of the military and the military profession, encourage the spirit of tolerance and mutual respect, enhance the defense capabilities of their countries, and contribute to universal peace.