History

The Medal of Honour for Physical Education was created on May 4, 1929, and has undergone many changes since. It has been awarded for service in physical education, for sport, for program development, and for military service training.

From 1929-1939 and from 1946-1956 the third class was awarded for 8 years of service, the second class was awarded for 12 years of service, and the first class was awarded for 16 years of service. From 1969-2013 the third class was awarded for 8 years of service, the second class was awarded for 12 years of service, and the first class was awarded for 20 years of service. Since 2013, the third class has been awarded for 6 years of service, the second class has been awarded for 10 years of service, and the first class has been awarded for 15 years of service. From 1956-1969, it was only awarded as a Silver Medal for contributions to the development of physical education and youth programs.

The Medal has also had a number of name changes since its creation. From November 27, 1946 – July 6, 1956 it was called the Medal of Honour for Physical Education and Sports, from July 6, 1956 – October 14, 1969 the Medal of Honour for Youth and Sports, from October 14, 1969 – December 18, 2013 the Medal of Youth and Sports, and since December 2013 it has been called the Medal of Youth, Sports and Community Engagement.
There are four different versions of the Medal that vary in inscription. The first version has an obverse inscription that translates to “Physical Education,” the second version has an obverse inscription that translates to “Physical Education and Sports,” the third version has an obverse inscription that translates to “Youth and Sports,” and the fourth version has an obverse inscription that “Youth, Sports, and Community Engagement.” All versions have a reverse inscription that translates to “French Republic, Peace and Labour.”

There may be additional versions that vary in size or composition.

The Medal is listed in the Third Republic, the Fourth Republic, and the Fifth Republic.