Olympics

 Welcome to the Olympics! On this site, you will not only find the overall goal of the Olympics, but also information on the Olympic and Paralympic events, several organizations that make the Olympics a reality, and the upcoming London 2012 Summer Olympics. The Olympic Games consist of a combination of modern international athletic competitions. These are separated into the Winter Olympics and the Summer Olympics, which alternate every two years. The International Olympic Committee stated, "The five rings represent the five continents.* They are interlaced to show the universality of Olympism and the meeting of the athletes of the whole world during the Olympic Games. On the Olympic flag, the rings appear on a white background. This flag translates the idea of the universality of the Olympic Movement. At least one of the colors of the rings, including the white background, can be found on the flag of every nation in the world." *The five continents that participate in the Olympic Games include the Americas (North America and South America are counted as one in this statement), Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania.



The Olympics began in 776 B.C.E. They lasted for close to 12 centuries until 393 C.E., when the Roman Emperor Theodosius banned the festival. The Games were reinstated the 19th century by a French man named Pierre de Coubertin. He founded the International Olympic Committee on June 23, 1894, and the first modern Olympic Games were held on April 6, 1896.

Though the Olympic Games were originally created to honor the Greek god Zeus, they also encouraged good relations between Greek cities.

The awards were presented by a Hellanodikis, or a Greek Judge, who would place a sacred olive tree wreath (called "kotinos") on the winner's head. The winner would receive the kotinos immediately after victory.

As for the athletes, all free men were entitled to participate in the original games, regardless of their social status. Women could not participate. Married women were not allowed to watch, but unmarried were allowed to attend.

The whole games were originally a 1-day event.  In 684 BCE, the Games were extended to 3 days. In the 5th century BCE, the Olympics were lengthened to 5 days.  The original events were Running, Jumping, Discus Throw, Wrestling, Boxing, Equestrian Events, and Pankration (a Greek martial art).

Today, this gathering has been a source of inspiration, hope, and achievement for many people across the globe. In my opinion, the Olympics are an amazing opportunity for people across the globe to experience the culture of the host country, and it is also a good chance for the hosts to show the world the best aspects of their country. In addition, the Olympic Games provide a unique experience for the world's best athletes to compete against others like them, and to develop bonds that, otherwise, would not have been there. The Paralympics are a great opportunity for disabled people to compete for honor for their country and to meet other people with similar situations. All in all, the Olympics are about more than just sports. Providing inspiration for people all around the world, the promotion of excellence, respect, friendship, and peace are what the modern Olympics are about.

Olympics Home

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