Susan J. RaylState University of New York – College at Cortland

THE RIGHT TO PURSUE ARETE’

Arete’• An Ancient Greek word meaning excellence or virtue, being the best one can be • The arete’ of something is the highest quality that can be reached• Ancient Greek philosophy stressed the development of arete’ in three aspects of one’s life: Mind, Body, Spirit• Mind = cognitive = mental• Body = psychomotor = physical• Spirit = affective = social/emotional• Neglect of one aspect was the sign of an incomplete man• As such, ancient Greek citizens had a right to participate and pursue arete’ in athletics

Three Cultures as Examples•Native American•Nuban (Sudan, Egypt)•British / American “Muscular Christianity”

Native American• Sport and physical activity played / plays a prominent role• Sport was / is associated with religious ceremonies, festive celebrations, social relaxation• A strong connection between sport and other social, spiritual (a connection to the creator), and economic aspects of sport.• Both males and females participated in sport and physical activity, but with different expectations.• Lacrosse was / is a unifying “sport” • Also shinny, double ball, footraces, archery, swimming• Native Americans actively pursued arete’ in their life – and sport played a major role

Nuban (Sudan, Egypt)•Wrestling served / serves to unite the various Nuban tribes• Embedded in the culture – ceremonial in nature • Perpetuates the culture• An expected and highly anticipated activity for all young men• Serves as a rite of passage •Women played / play a supportive role through pre-contest preparations, and singing, chanting, dancing• Champion wrestlers are viewed as we would view an Olympic champion• Nubans actively pursue arete’ through wrestling and dancing

British / American “Muscular Christianity”

• “Muscular Christianity” evolved in the later 1800’s• A “Muscular Christian” was one who pursued arete’ in three aspects of their lives”: Mind, Body, Spirit• The body was viewed as the “temple of God” and needed to be cared for in order to carry out the duties in one’s life.• Staying physically fit / being a top athletes were important• Luther Gulick, who instructed James Naismith at the International YMCA in Springfield, MA, created the YMCA symbol – a triangle denoting Mind, Body, and Spirit.• Young men, and eventually young women actively pursued arete’ in their sporting lives

Today• People of all ages pursue arete’• Every person, of every ability, has a right to pursue arete’ in all aspects of their lives•…including the “physical”…Sport / Athletics