Introduction
The theme “Sport Science and Physical Education” within the Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems is based on the fundamental principles of the Sport Science domain, which promotes maintaining the balance between mind and body as well as using sports and physical activity as a means to ensure the health and development of an individual and of societies beyond economic, political, social, cultural and religious barriers. Sport is an extremely complex and multifaceted social phenomenon. There are various kinds and forms of sport: mass sport (“sport for all”), sport of records, amateur sport, “folk” sport, elite sport, school sport, sport for physically challenged persons, sport for
rehabilitation, etc. Sport has special features in different regions and countries. Some of its qualities change in the course of civilization development. Therefore, it is no wonder that there are various points of view regarding its nature, specificity, and its place in systems of the various social phenomena. So, there are different definitions of the term “sport”.
Sport deserves great attention in this matter. It widely develops and involves millions of people from all over the world. Currently, sport acts as a social system, a social institute and a social movement with powerful influence practically on all layers and spheres of modern society and culture, including education, politics, economics, engineering, science, art, mass media, leisure, etc. Its role in socialization, education, image formation and lifestyle is becoming inreasingly important. Health and physical exercise benefits for an individual‟s functional effectiveness and quality of life – are concerns of ongoing scientific research as reflected by the number
of interdisciplinary approaches. We argue for the need to diversify educational programs for health and well being by disseminating examples of good practices in various communities. It is at the same time very essential also to promote projects to fight against intolerance which may be present based on social, ethnic, cultural, linguistic and religious biases.
Physical education and sports are preoccupations or activities with high social impact and their positive influence should begin by changing fundamental and general ideas on physical activity in modern society which is characterized by transition. New ideas should provide answers to satisfy social, individual and group interests. Physical education and sports must be studied as a complex social phenomenon, as dynamic on a national scale having implications, motivations, ideas, individual and group interests, which are varied and always changing.
The present Volumes 2 and 3 present some modern visions, perspectives and approaches of experts and specialists from around the world and covered in the following topics:
• Introduction: Sport, Sustainable Development and Culture of Peace
• Sport Academic Disciplines
• Athletic Training
• Types and Kinds Of Sport
• Sport-Oriented Games and Technologies
• Sport Economics
Through these presentations, these volumes are expected to be a valuable addition to the knowledge resources of educational, social and sports organizations. By explicitly illustrating the relationship between sports and health, they can provide support in decision making for policies and practices for sports education for a healthy society.
Editor(s) Biography
Prof. Luminita Georgescu MD. PhD. is a highly appreciated professor in the Department of Natural Sciences at the Faculty of Sciences, University of Pitesti, Romania. Since 2007 she is a scientific coordinator for doctoral studies in the field of Sport Kinetics. With a vast professional experience: Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport (2007-2011), President of the Medical and Anti-doping Commission at Judo European Championships, Bucharest-Belgrade 2004 and at Judo World Cup, Bucharest (2005-2008) and , Director of the International Relations Department of the University of Pitesti (2004-2005), collaborator of the Romanian Olympic Committee, Professor Georgescu is also a sports medicine physician with a Doctoral degree in Medical Sciences. Her academic activity reflects an increased interest in developing new cross-disciplinary programs and research projects in the area of physical education, sport and health (5 books published and more than 100 articles in national and international scientific manifestations). The professional accomplishments of Professor Georgescu includes also: Member of the Executive Board of International Council of Sport Science and Physical Education, Presidium Member of International Associations of Sport Kinetics (IASK), World Leisure Organization Board of Directors Member, Associate Editor of AJESS, Health-Related Fitness and Health Promotion Section Editor of AJESS, scientific reviewer for the Romanian Journal of Physiotherapy and Romanian Sport Medicine Journal, member in multiple national and international associations, member in scientific committees and keynote and invited speaker at important conferences in the field of sport science, winner of national and international awards and distinctions.
Valeri Nikolayevich Kharkin, International Commission, Moscow, 115419, Russia
