NRPA's Olympic History: go back in time for a look at the association's past, rooted in the rings of the Olympics.

As we approach the XXVIII Olympic Games, most NRPA members conjure up memories of torches, dramatic wins, symbolic rings and gold medals. What most members don't know, is that NRPA has a long and rich history of sport that has fostered cooperation among participants in promoting and sharing its values, even in the Olympic arena.

NRPA's interest in sports and athletics dates back to the early 1900's. Dr. Luther H. Gulick, and a small group of activists organized the Playground Association of America (PAA) in 1906 to promote play opportunities for youth in America's growing urban areas, The concept behind this new organization was to provide national coordination and guidance in promoting the growing public recreation movement, which at that time was found in approximately 40 cities. This organization was later to become the National Recreation Association (NRA), which--in 1965--would become the present-day NRPA.

At that time when PAA was in its fledgling stages, Gulick was head of the New York City Physical Education Department and also headed the Public School Athletic League of New York. Gulick's earlier career had been with the YMCA, including teaching at the International YMCA College, now known as Springfield College in Massachusetts (This is the same YMCA where the sport of basketball was first invented). Gulick also conceived the Equilateral Triangle theory adopted by the YMCA to show the importance of "body, mind and spirit."

Another important sports activist involved in the development of the PAA was Sawyer Gustavus 32 Kirby. Kirby was also involved with the New York City Public Schools Athletic League with Gulick. Kirby was elected Treasurer of the Playground Association of America in 1908 and served in that capacity until 1946 when he was named treasurer emeritus. Kirby had also served as a member of every U.S. Olympic Committee since 1895 and was instrumental in beginning to stimulate the association's interest in international sports.

As early as 1913, the association launched a major fitness campaign to improve the physical condition of boys and girls by establishing an athletic achievement badge test, which was designed for the Playground and Recreation Association of America (PRAA). In 1.919, PRAA enhanced its role in sports and fitness by establishing the National Physical Education Service.

This effort was in response to a finding that one-third of the men examined by the Army during World War I were deemed physically unfit. One of the principal goals of the National Physical Education Service was to lobby for state laws to establish required physical education as a part of the public school curriculum. After nearly two decades of intensive legislative effort, 33 states had established organized physical education programs in public schools. After tackling domestic issues, Kirby then turned his attention to expanding the association's interest in sports and athletics to the international level.

The 1932 Olympic Games held in Los Angeles, Calif., was the first time the Olympic Games had been held in the United States. This event provided NRA and Kirby with the opportunity to organize and host the First International Recreation Congress. The Congress was held July 23-29, 1932, in conjunction with the Olympics.

Thomas E. Hirers, a NRA staff member who was later to gain a distinguished reputation in international recreation, handled much of the organizational work related to the event. Among the impressive list of speakers for the Congress were:

* Count de Raillet Latour, president of the International Olympic Committee, Belgium

* Sir Harold Bowden, chairman and managing director of the Raleigh Cycle Co., England

* Dr. Theodor Lewald, president, German National Commission for Physical Training, Germany

* Dr. Settehi Kishi, president, Japan Amateur Athletic Association, Japan

* Dr. Joseph Gruss, president of the Czechoslovak Olympic Committee, Czechoslovakia

* General Dr. Stanislaw Rouppert, vice president for the Scientific Council for Physical Education in Poland, Poland

Special events of the 1932 International Congress included a picturesque water pageant in the new Olympic Pool put on by 600 children from the Los Angeles Playground and Recreation Department, a music demonstration that included a civic chorus of 1,000 voices and an international Play Day at the Rose Bowl.

The event attracted delegates from more than 40 countries, and its success prompted officials to plan for a second international meeting to be held in Berlin, Germany, in conjunction with the 1936 Olympic Games.

For the association's efforts in organizing such a large conference on the international level, the International Olympic Committee awarded NRA the Olympic Cup in 1935. The association was recognized for its service to sport and sportsmanship throughout the world.

The growing national concern over the rise of Hitler and the Nazi Party in Germany soon became a concern for the NRA Board of Directors, who had begun planning for the 1936 international meeting. They made the difficult decision not to become a participating organization in the 1936 International Recreation Congress because they were fearful that the meeting would be used for Nazi propaganda purposes. Nonetheless, Kirby, Treasurer of NRA, and often referred to as "the old statesman of amateur athletics in the United States" did attend.

A third International Recreation Congress, called the Congress for Work and Joy, was held in Rome, Italy; on June 26-July 1, 1938. More than 50 nations were represented at this meeting, but NRA also chose to boycott this meeting, not wanting to support the growing Nazi movement in Europe. Benito "Il Duce" Mussolini formally opened the Third Congress, which gave the NRA some cause for concern.

Due to the major disruption that was created by World War II, it was not until 1956 that another major international meeting on recreation and leisure was held. By that time, the NRA had created its own International Recreation Service to address the expanding interest in international recreation following the war.

The 1956 International Congress, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the NRA was held in Philadelphia, Penn. This Congress served to launch the creation of the International Recreation Association. Rivers was appointed director general of the new organization, a position he held for 18 years. The International Recreation Association has since changed its name to the World Leisure and Recreation Association and is now headquartered in Canada.

NRPA, like the Olympic Games, continues to promote both sports and international relations that further the mission of recreation and good sportsmanship. As members watch the Athens games this month, hopefully it will mean more than just wins for the United States--they can take pride in knowing that this association has been recognized as a partner in promoting international good will through sport.