The Olympic Games
"The important thing is not so much winning as taking part."
The ancient Greeks first had the idea to have the best athletes from all over Greece gather in one field and compete every four years. All wars and fighting stopped while the athletes and their supporters came together in the town of Olympia for a few days to compete in a few events, mostly related to warfare (throwing the javelin, running, wrestling, boxing and chariot racing).
The first written reference to the Games dates back to 776 BC. They lasted until 389 AD. The idea of having the modern Games was suggested in the mid-19th century and became a world event only in 1896. Besides being postponed because of wars, they have been held since then every four years in different cities around the world.
The Olympic Games have many important symbols that most people recognize. The five rings that appear on the Olympic flag (coloured yellow, green, blue, black and red) were introduced in 1914. They represent the five continents of Africa, the Americas, Australia, Asia and Europe. The flag is raised in the host city and then flown to the next one where it is kept until the next Games. The Olympic torch, a major part of the ancient Games, was brought back in 1928 and is kept burning until the close of the Games. It symbolizes purity, the drive for perfection and the struggle for victory.
In the ancient Games, only the winner was celebrated. Each winner was given a simple crown of olive leaves to wear on his head. This was the only reward for his victory. Those who came in second or third got nothing. When the Games started again in 1896, silver medals were given to the first place winners. Later in 1904 in the St. Louis Games, gold was the top prize. Now, of course we have gold for first place, silver for second and bronze for third.
The Olympics' official motto is "Citius, Altius, Fortius" that is "Swifter, Higher, Stronger" and represents the Olympic spirit
The ancient Games had only a few events. Foot racing was in every game and each race had a variety of lengths - the longest being the marathon named after the Greek city. The pentathlon had five events (running, jumping, wrestling, discus throwing and javelin throwing) which were all scored together.
Today many things have changed: the modern Pentathlon includes shooting, swimming, fencing, equestrian and cross country running, and many other sports have been included in the Olympic Games. To name a few: bridge, chess, karate, golf, rugby and surfing.
"The important thing is not so much winning as taking part."
The ancient Greeks first had the idea to have the best athletes from all over Greece gather in one field and compete every four years. All wars and fighting stopped while the athletes and their supporters came together in the town of Olympia for a few days to compete in a few events, mostly related to warfare (throwing the javelin, running, wrestling, boxing and chariot racing).
The first written reference to the Games dates back to 776 BC. They lasted until 389 AD. The idea of having the modern Games was suggested in the mid-19th century and became a world event only in 1896. Besides being postponed because of wars, they have been held since then every four years in different cities around the world.
The Olympic Games have many important symbols that most people recognize. The five rings that appear on the Olympic flag (coloured yellow, green, blue, black and red) were introduced in 1914. They represent the five continents of Africa, the Americas, Australia, Asia and Europe. The flag is raised in the host city and then flown to the next one where it is kept until the next Games. The Olympic torch, a major part of the ancient Games, was brought back in 1928 and is kept burning until the close of the Games. It symbolizes purity, the drive for perfection and the struggle for victory.
In the ancient Games, only the winner was celebrated. Each winner was given a simple crown of olive leaves to wear on his head. This was the only reward for his victory. Those who came in second or third got nothing. When the Games started again in 1896, silver medals were given to the first place winners. Later in 1904 in the St. Louis Games, gold was the top prize. Now, of course we have gold for first place, silver for second and bronze for third.
The Olympics' official motto is "Citius, Altius, Fortius" that is "Swifter, Higher, Stronger" and represents the Olympic spirit
The ancient Games had only a few events. Foot racing was in every game and each race had a variety of lengths - the longest being the marathon named after the Greek city. The pentathlon had five events (running, jumping, wrestling, discus throwing and javelin throwing) which were all scored together.
Today many things have changed: the modern Pentathlon includes shooting, swimming, fencing, equestrian and cross country running, and many other sports have been included in the Olympic Games. To name a few: bridge, chess, karate, golf, rugby and surfing.