RSU Latvian Academy of Sport Education celebrates its 103rd anniversary

Photos from LASE archives

Today, 6 September, marks the 103rd anniversary of the founding of Latvia's first higher education institution in the field of sports, what is today known as the Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) Latvian Academy of Sport Education (LASE). Over the years, the university has grown and developed along with the Latvian state, contributing significantly to shaping the country's sports life.

For a century, RSU LASE has educated outstanding athletes, coaches, physical education teachers, sports managers, and health professionals who have achieved remarkable success and helped others to achieve the same. The work that RSU LASE lecturers, researchers, and staff have invested and continue to invest in the education of students is also invaluable.

History

Throughout the history of Latvia, every institution has undergone various transformations, some through natural growth, the discovery of new knowledge and approaches, others as a result of different powers taking over the country. However, the RSU Latvian Academy of Sport Education has managed to survive all these changes and is today celebrating its 103rd anniversary as the inheritor of all traditions of sports education that have come before. 

In 1918, the newly founded Republic of Latvia quickly realised that health and physical education should be part of general education, because ‘a healthy body equals a healthy mind’. Thus, on 6 September 1921, the Latvian Institute of Physical Education was founded, marking the beginning of the academic development of physical education in Latvia. 

Physical education and sports science have gone through several stages of development. From 1946 to 1992, the Academy operated as the Latvian State Institute of Physical Culture (LVFKI), and from 1992 to 2024 as the Latvian Academy of Sport Education. On 1 July 2024, LASE joined Rīga Stradiņš University, retaining its identity, brand, as well as academic and scientific autonomy. 

Successful Graduates

Over the years, RSU LASE has trained almost 12,000 sports and health professionals - PE teachers, coaches, sports managers, physiotherapists, recreation specialists, and teachers of national defence training. RSU LASE has also been the training ground for 143 Olympic athletes, 28 of whom are Olympic medal winners: 8 gold, 14 silver, and 6 bronze. Among the most famous graduates are javelin thrower Jānis Lūsis, basketball player Uļjana Semjonova, rower Ivans Klementjevs, gymnast Igors Vihrovs, ice hockey player Helmuts Balderis, luger Mārtiņš Rubenis, and beach volleyball player Mārtiņš Pļaviņš.

Uniqueness and Tradition

The study process at RSU LASE is unique for its legendary winter and summer camps, which have been an integral part of the Academy's tradition for more than 30 years. RSU LASE lecturers organise a tourism camp for students in the water tourism camp Kvēpene in Cēsis Municipality and a ski camp in Madona Municipality. This kind of study process is unique to RSU LASE and provides students with unforgettable experiences and valuable knowledge for their professional activities.

These courses give students the opportunity to learn essential outdoor skills. In the winter, students develop their skiing skills, while in the summer, they learn how to build a fire, cook outdoors, sleep in a tent and work as a team. At these camps, students not only learn about nature, but also how to experience, respect, and appreciate it. 

Future Goals

The future goal of the RSU Latvian Academy of Sport Education is to offer high-quality, internationally recognised studies, develop innovative and interdisciplinary sport science research and integrate it into the curriculum. This would ensure that the Academy produces competent and competitive sports specialists for the Latvian and international labour markets.

Our Message to the Academy

We wish the RSU Latvian Academy of Sport Education to continue to inspire, educate and develop young sports and health professionals with the same passion and professionalism as before. May every graduate of the Academy carry its name with pride! May the coming years bring growth and new opportunities, while maintaining the spirit and unity of the Academy!