HISTORICAL REVIEW OF OFFICERS' RELATIONS TOWARDS SPORTS AND SPORTS ORGANIZATIONS FROM 1882 TO 1941 IN THE KINGDOM OF SERBIA, KINGDOM OF SHS, AND KINGDOM OF YUGOSLAVIA

Abstract

The paper deals with the connection between sports, sports organizations, and military officer staff, pointing out certain connections and consequences. Many officers who graduated from the Military Academy performed the highest government duties in various fields (they were predominantly present in sports and sports institutions, but also physical education classes), which proves that the officers influenced not only the development and progress of the then armies in which they served but also the state and the institution as a whole. Using the historical method, we investigated the relationships between sports, sports organizations, and officers, as well as the influence of society on these relationships. Current historical research indicates that there is an unbreakable and practically significant connection between the activities of army members of different countries from our area (the Kingdom of Serbia, the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenians, and the Kingdom of Yugoslavia) and sports and sports organizations in the form of common interests and goals. Through theoretical and critical analysis, the paper explores those relationships and points to officers' strong influence and efforts in forming and operating sports clubs and spreading the Olympic idea in the mentioned countries.