The Olympic games

Introduction

The Olympic Games are an international sporting event that was first held in ancient Greece, in 776 BC. The modern Olympic Games were founded by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1894, and were attended by 16 nations. Since then, over 200 countries have sent teams to compete in the summer and winter games. The Summer Olympics have been held every four years since 1896 except during World War I and World War II when they were cancelled due to war efforts.

History

The first Olympic Games were held in ancient Greece in 776 BC. They were a religious festival to honor the god Zeus, who was believed to be king of the gods and ruler of heaven, earth and sea. The games were not just for men but also women. Men competed in sports such as boxing, wrestling and foot races while women competed in discus throwing and races on horseback.

It was only one event that took place at these first Olympic Games - a stadium-length footrace for men called "stade." The winner received an olive branch crown made from leaves from the sacred olive tree of Olympia (Olympia is where these games were held).

The Olympic Games of the modern era are the end result of a process that began in ancient Greece. The first Olympic Games is thought to have been held in 776 BC, in Olympia, Greece. The first games were made up of only one event – a 'stadium-length' footrace. Gold medals were not handed out during this time period - winners were given a crown made from olive leaves from the sacred olive tree of Olympia.

The Olympic Games of the modern era are the end result of a process that began in ancient Greece. The first Olympic Games is thought to have been held in 776 BC, in Olympia, Greece. The first games were made up of only one event – a 'stadium-length' footrace. Gold medals were not handed out during this time period - winners were given a crown made from olive leaves from the sacred olive tree of Olympia.

The word Olympics derives from Olympia (the site where these games were held). It's thought that people played ball games similar to those we play today at that time; however there's no evidence available to prove this theory correct or incorrect at this time.

The Games continued for nearly 1200 years, before being banned by Emperor Theodosius I for religious reasons, in 394 AD.

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Modern Olympic Games

The first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896 in Athens, Greece. However, the idea of the modern games was not originally to celebrate Greek culture but to unite all countries through sport.

The first official Olympic Games were held in 776 BC during the ancient Olympics which were held every four years and lasted for five days.

According to legend, a Greek shepherd named Coroebus won three events: boxing, wrestling and pankration (a form of kickboxing). When he returned home as a hero he received word that his son had died from illness during his absence at Olympia. In despair over this news, Coroebus committed suicide by jumping off a hillside into what is now known as “Coroebus’ Leap."

In 1863, Pierre de Coubertin was inspired by the success of England's home country public schools and the need for international understanding that would foster peace across nations to revive the Olympic Games. He succeeded in 1896 when Athens hosted the inaugural modern Olympic Games with 280 participants from 13 countries competing in 43 events.

The modern Olympic Games were founded by Pierre de Coubertin in 1896. He was inspired by the success of England's home country public schools and the need for international understanding that would foster peace across nations to revive the Olympic Games. The first modern Olympics were held in Athens, Greece on April 6-15, 1896 with 280 participants from 13 countries competing in 43 events.

During World War 1, the 1916 Olympics were cancelled but resumed again 2 years later in Antwerp, Belgium without a closing ceremony.

The 1916 Olympics were cancelled, but they resumed again in Antwerp, Belgium in 1920. There was no closing ceremony.

The closing ceremony has become a tradition in modern Olympic Games and is held at the end of every Games. It typically features the official handover to the next host city, as well as a number of speeches by dignitaries.

Since then many other obstacles have needed to be overcome including war and civil unrest and an additional winter games was added in 1924.

I'm sure you have heard of the Olympic Games. The first modern day Olympics were held in 1896 in Athens, Greece and since then many other obstacles have needed to be overcome including war and civil unrest and an additional winter games was added in 1924.

Conclusion

The Olympic Games have been a part of our heritage for many years and will continue to be for centuries to come. The spirit of the Olympics is one that inspires people from all over the world to compete in sportsmanship, determination and teamwork; traits that are much needed in today’s society.