The Italian Olimpiadi Universitarie of 1922: at the origins of the Fascist ideology of sport

• Published in: Modern Italy : journal of the Association for the Study of Modern Italy 2024-02, Vol.29 (1), p.3-17
• Main Author: Fonzo, Erminio
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 19th century; 20th century; College sports; College students; Colleges & universities; Decades; Education; Fascism; Fencing; Gymnastics; Ideology; Olympic games; Patriotism; Research Article; Ruling class; Students; World War I
• ISSN: 1353-2944; 1469-9877
• DOI: 10.1017/mit.2023.38

University sport was less developed in Italy than in other European countries in the first decades of the twentieth century. Nevertheless, in April 1922, students from the University of Rome organised a national multi-sport event, which they called the Olimpiadi Universitarie (University Olympic Games). Many eminent figures of the ruling class supported the initiative and thousands of undergraduates participated in the competitions. The Olimpiadi Universitarie also had an important international impact and facilitated the establishment of the International University Games, which were held from 1924 to 1939. The Olimpiadi Universitarie were based on a patriotic-educational concept of sport and played a significant role in spreading physical activities in Italian universities. Additionally, they promoted the idea of sport that in the following years would be accepted by the Fascist regime. The regime developed university sport enormously, but replaced the autonomous initiative of students with control from above.