Quebec, pioneer of Olympic education: the little-known story of the 1976 Montreal Games

In the run-up to the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games, physical education in Quebec came under fierce criticism, with some even calling it a ‘disgrace.’ Based on this observation, this paper aims to analyze how the Olympic context served as a catalyst for redefining the role of physical education and sport in Quebec society, particularly in the field of education. The 1976 Montreal Olympic Games left a major educational legacy, often overshadowed by financial and organizational challenges. The ‘Promotion de l’Olympisme en Milieu Scolaire’ (Promotion of Olympism in Schools) program, the first of its kind, made history by integrating Olympic education into Quebec schools. Inspired by Pierre de Coubertin's humanistic vision, this program aimed to promote the values of sport and Olympism while improving the physical fitness of youth in Quebec. It served as a model for the Olympic Movement, which drew inspiration from it to develop similar initiatives on a global scale. The legacy of POMS lies in its innovative approach, combining physical education, Olympic values, and inclusion, and in its lasting impact on Quebec's sports and educational culture, which continues to this day.