Sport and Education Program: From Ancient Olympia to the Present

For Harvard undergraduates only.

A diverse body of students and faculty convenes in the birthplace of the Olympic Games to examine how sport shaped ancient models of knowledge, and how, in turn, the ancient athletic-knowledge complex, known as paideia, served as a model for modern universities and professional sports. 

During plenary sessions and small-group discussions, participants engage in experiential learning, conversation, and debate around key themes and topics introduced by the faculty, offering a unique opportunity to explore the historical, social, and practical connections between sport and education, from the ancient Olympics to the modern university system. Additionally, faculty-led sessions on the archaeological site and museum of Ancient Olympia, and the Museum of the History of Olympic Games of Antiquity, give students a sense of vital connection to the embodied past.

The conference takes place in July 2026, in the state-of-the-art facilities of the International Olympic Academy (IOA). For more information about the program, including a daily agenda, please visit the Center for Hellenic Studies in Greece at Harvard University website. 

Awards and Benefits

The Weatherhead Center will nominate two Harvard undergraduate student athletes with a demonstrated current affiliation and interest in sport to participate in the program. 

How to Apply

Prospective candidates from Harvard University who are interested in this program should be undergraduate student athletes and must apply online via Harvard CARAT. Scholarship opportunities for Harvard undergraduates are provided by Harvard University’s Center for Hellenic Studies and the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs, with administrative support from Harvard Athletics. Harvard candidates can find additional details about their participation by following the application link.

Deadline

March 19, 2026 (TBC)