The Establishment and Educational Activity of the “Sokół” Gymnastic Society at the Turn of the 19th and 20th Century in Galicia

Summary: The article presents the development of the “Sokół” Gymnastic Society which was established in 1867 in Lviv. The new idea, within several years, has covered the Galicia region, penetrating also into the remaining partitions. The Society’s activity was also developing during the interwar period. An important factor influencing the Sokół movement increase in popularity was “Sokół” Gymnastics Guide published since 1881. It enabled, among others, promoting gymnastics and key organizational slogans. It also functioned as a link between Lviv and numerous branches, the so-called ‘nests’. Latin motto “Mens sana in corpore sano” – “A sound mind in a sound body” has become the leitmotif of the organisation. The Society played a significant role in promoting gymnastics and many sports disciplines. The ‘nests’ also became educational and cultural centers. Through promotion of physical culture, patriotic content was brought up and passed on to future generations.

Summary: The article presents the development of the “Sokół” Gymnastic Society which was established in 1867 in Lviv. The new idea, within several years, has covered the Galicia region, penetrating also into the remaining partitions. The Society’s activity was also developing during the interwar period. An important factor influencing the Sokół movement increase in popularity was “Sokół” Gymnastics Guide published since 1881. It enabled, among others, promoting gymnastics and key organizational slogans. It also functioned as a link between Lviv and numerous branches, the so-called ‘nests’. Latin motto “Mens sana in corpore sano” – “A sound mind in a sound body” has become the leitmotif of the organisation. The Society played a significant role in promoting gymnastics and many sports disciplines. The ‘nests’ also became educational and cultural centers. Through promotion of physical culture, patriotic content was brought up and passed on to future generations.