The History of… The Olympic Games

Ancient Greece   The Olympics were first held in Olympia, Greece – which gave the games its name.   These games were played to honor the Gods, Zeus and Pelops; and to honor their physical appearance. One of the original Olympic games training fields, 776 B.C. Zeus, Olympic God - Contestants who won, received a crown of olive leaves and respect. - They began in 776 B.C. and ended in 393 A.D., when Theodosius, Roman Emperor, did away with the games all together for religious reasons.

“The Modern Olympics”   The modernized Olympics were founded and updated by Baron Pierre de Coubertin in 1896 …there were only 245 athletes competing!   Compare that to the 11,100 athletes participating at the 2004 Summer Olympics! 1896, replica torch 1896, stadium

Opening Ceremonies throughout the years… Squaw Valley, California 1960 Flame outside of Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2002 Switzerland, St. Moritz, 1948

Carrying a tradition since 1936…  This custom allows people of all ages, abilities, and social standing to participate.

New Innovations at the Australian Olympics…   Click here for interactive map! news/2000/06/16/torchroute/

Sports history Tug-of-war was played From Golf was only played twice In 1900 and 1904, Olympics -It was even a sport for women! The International Olympic Committee (IOC) meets after each Olympic Games and decide which games will return the next year based on popular demand of the youth of the nation that are competing or just watching.

History of the 5 Rings   Baron Pierre de Coubertin also established the Olympic Ring Symbol – each ring represents a unity of 5 regions.   It is a flag that represents the Olympics since it was adopted in it was not flown until The Olympic Motto: The Olympic Motto: “Citius, Altius, Fortius” (Greek) “Citius, Altius, Fortius” (Greek) “Swifter, Higher, Stronger” (English) “Swifter, Higher, Stronger” (English)

Medals of Honor -The tradition of giving away medals to 1 st, 2 nd, and 3 rd places started in In 2004, the National Olympic Committee (NOC) reinstated the Greek tradition of giving the top three competitors wreath crowns along with their medals. Moscow,

International Paralympic Committee (IPC) International Paralympic Committee (IPC)   This site allows you to keep up with the latest info on the athletes, and also donate to help the organization! Aster is the Mascot for the 2006 Paralympic Winter Games! Official Trophy for the Paralympics

XX OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES XX OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES   These futuristic icons of the Olympics have come a long way since the ancient Greek Games, thanks to technology.   In 2 years the Summer Olympics will be held in Beijing, China Turin, ITALY, February 10 through 26, 2006 Torch, 2006 Opening ceremony participant Olympic flame, 2006

References of information  dex.html dex.html dex.html   

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