Play, like joy, is its own end. In the sheer joy of play and playing well, one becomes an ‘amateur’ in the true sense, that is, a 'lover'.
Developing this sense of 'amateurism' is perhaps the most important contribution that physical education makes to classical education. This is because the amateur, though he always strives to play well, plays out of love and delight for the game itself. Genuine amateurism thus reinforces the classical conviction that there are things worth doing well simply because they are good.
However, physical education is vital to classical education in other ways as well. Physical education offers students an opportunity to train their minds, hearts, and bodies into unified expressions of gracefulness. Accordingly, the physical education program should strive to train the minds, hearts, and bodies of the students.
Students should develop concentration, self-discipline, and mental stamina through repetition, practice, and competitive play. They should come to recognize the excellence and gracefulness of beautiful physical achievements. They should also learn the rules as well as the proper techniques and strategies for playing all major sports.
Students should practice sportsmanship and fair play; they should learn to win and lose with grace. They should participate in games and sports in which they can both lead and be led, subordinating their own role to the good of the team. A spirit of healthy competition, as well as an attitude of perseverance, commitment, and excellence, should be the norm.
Students should participate in a variety of physical activities that promote strength, agility, coordination, speed, and endurance. They should be encouraged to form healthy living habits, which include getting the appropriate exercise, diet, and rest.
Saint Sebastian was a 3rd-century Roman soldier and captain of the Praetorian Guard who converted to Christianity; he was ordered to be executed by archers on the discovery of his faith, yet he survived the arrows and recovered, only to go before Emperor Diocletian to denounce the persecution of Christians and was later beaten to death. He is widely regarded as the patron saint of athletes because of his extraordinary physical stamina and moral fortitude, making him a patron for athletes seeking courage and endurance through trials.