The history of the Olympics

Ancient History Most information from the beginning of the Olympics is based on legend Legend states the original founder was Heracles (Roman version of Hurcules) First records of Olympic games date back to 776 B.C. and included one event – the Stade

The Stade Running event – approximately 192 meters, or 210 yards Event was won by a mane named Coroebus, making him the first ever Olympic champion

History continues… Olympic games grew and were played every four years for nearly 1200 years In AD 393, the Roman emperor banned the games because of “pagan influences” They would not be revived again for about 1500 years All free men could compete, regardless of social status; single women could attend but not participate; married women couldn’t even watch!!

Events Ancient games were a 1 day event until 684 BC, when they were extended to 3 days Events included running, long jump, shot put, javelin, boxing, and equestrian events

The revival Frenchman named Pierre de Coubertin evaluated the French soldiers during the Franco-Prussian War and decided the reason they lost the war was not because of military skills but due to “the French soldiers lack of vigor.” He examined education of German, British and American children and decided that exercise and sports made a “well- rounded and vigorous” person. In 1890 he organized the USFSA, a sports organization to try to revive the games.

Persistence pays off… His initial efforts were rejected immediately Over the next two years he organized 79 delegates from nine different countries and tried again. This time they voted unanimously to reinstate the games and the delegates formed the IOC – International Olympic Committee – still an active organization today The IOC elected Demetrious Vikelas from Greece to be its first president and the first games were set to take place in Athens Greece.

The Olympic symbols

Represent 3 core values of the spirit of the games Three main symbols Represent 3 core values of the spirit of the games Rings - respect Flame - friendship Motto - excellence

The Rings Created as a flag, by Pierre de Coubertin after the 1912 Games in Stockholm, Sweden to encourage unity 5 rings interlaced represent the 5 continents that had participants in those games Six colors of the flag (blue, yellow, black, green, red, and white) represent all nations’ flags

The flame Began in 1936 as a lead-up to the Berlin Games The Flame – Lit in Olympia, Greece months before the games open, in memory of the Games’ ancient origins. Can only be lit by the sun’s rays. The Torch – new design created for each edition of the Games, used to pass the flame from one runner to another. (The flame is passed, not the torch) The Route – Starts in Olympia, crosses different regions, countries, and continents on its way to the host city, announcing the games to those who it passes by

The Motto Motto = sums up life philosophy or code of conduct to follow Olympic motto – CITIUS – ALTIUS – FORTIUS Latin for Faster – Higher – Stronger Proposed by de Coubertin, borrowed from Henri Didon, a priest who taught in Paris Became the motto in 1894, soon after the IOC creation

What are your core values?? Your assignment: Create a motto and symbol that represent your core values 1. Think about and identify three core values that best represent you 2. Choose one of the values to create a personal motto Can be in any language – Latin, Spanish, etc. 3. Use the other two values to create a symbol that represents you 4. Explain your motto and symbol in a short “essay” Intro paragraph – introduce the values you chose 2nd paragraph – explain the motto (translation, what it means to you, why you used the language you did, etc.) 3rd paragraph – explain the symbol (what it means, color choice, etc.)