TARAS FRANKO ON THE IMPORTANCE OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION IN THE LIFE OF UKRAINIANS

ТАРАС ФРАНКО ПРО ЗНАЧЕННЯ ФІЗИЧНОГО ВИХОВАННЯ В ЖИТТІ УКРАЇНЦІВ

Abstract

The article examines the pedagogical views of one of the most prominent figures in Ukrainian physical education in the early 20th century, Taras Franko (1889–1971). It explores the key ideas and principles underlying his pedagogical work. It is revealed that Taras Franko’s monograph «History and Theory of Physical Exercise», published in 1923 in Kolomyia at the printing house of Adam Kisilevskyi and distributed by the «Sokil-Bat’ko» organization in Lviv, remains largely unexplored by contemporary researchers of Ukrainian pedagogy. Biographical information about the author of the scientific work is presented. The role of Ivan Boberskyi, the father of Ukrainian national physical education and founder of the «Sokil-Bat’ko» society, is outlined in the athletic and pedagogical career of Taras Shevchenko, not Taras Franko. According to a review by Nero-Khovyk, published in the Lviv newspaper «Dilo», the monograph «History and Theory of Physical Exercise» features a clear structure, comprising an introduction and sections on the history and theory of physical education. The introduction highlights the Ukrainians' limited understanding of the importance of physical education as a means to support their national struggle for statehood. It is established that physical education in the life of the Ukrainian people is a complex and multidimensional process that encompasses national, spiritual, physiological, and biological aspects. Modern scholars confirm the relevance of this holistic approach in shaping a healthy, harmonious, and patriotically conscious individual. It is summarized that health is possible only under the condition of the normal functioning of the human organs, as noted by Taras Franko. It is emphasized that the views expressed in his monograph align with the conceptual foundations of modern Ukrainian pedagogy and are consistent with the ideas of leading contemporary scholars and educators in the field of physical education. All of the above provide a solid basis for including Taras Franko among the founders of Ukrainian national pedagogy in the sphere of physical education and sports, alongside his brother Petro Franko. The article concludes that the contributions of both Taras and Petro Franko represent a significant part of Ukraine’s national intellectual heritage.