1. THE OLYMPIC GAMES

2. The Olympic games take place every four years in a major city
The Olympic games take place every four years in a major city. Next Olympic Games will take place where?

3. 18,000 male and female athletes from 52 countries competed in 26 different events at the London Olympics.

4. All of the 18,000 athletes have one aim… To win Olympic gold

5. But the Olympic Games have not always been like this…

6. The Olympic games started 2,700 years ago (776 BC) in a place called Olympia in Greece.

7. Only one country took part and that was Greece
Only one country took part and that was Greece. People from all the main states of Greece travelled from miles around to compete.

8. The states of Greece were usually at war against each other, but for the month when the games took place everyone agreed there would be peace, and no fighting.

9. The games were held in honour of Zeus, King of the Gods.

10. An Olympic torch was lit and taken to every state in Greece before being carried to the Olympic opening ceremony. The torch remained lit until the games were completed. The flame represents light, spirit, knowledge and life.

11. The first games had just one event, a sprint from one end of the stadium to the other.
And yes, competitors were completely naked!

12. Boxing, Wrestling, Javelin and Discus soon joined the Ancient Greek Olympic games.

13. Winners received a green wreath, enjoyed free meals, married rich women and had the best seats at the theatre.

14. About 50,000 people could camp and sit in the stadium; it was very hot and very crowded. Jugglers and acrobats performed. The games ended with a great feast.

15. Women were not allowed to watch the Olympics, and any woman caught watching would be punished. Greek women had their own games called Heraia held in honour of Hera, Zeus’ wife. Only Spartan women really liked sports.

16. Cheats today have their medals taken off them and are banned, but in the Ancient Greek games a cheat had a statue built of them and they went on cheaters row. Cheats would be so ashamed that they would have to run away from Greece forever.

17. Taking part are the 4 main Greek States: Sparta – Fire – Spartans win at all costs! Athens – Water – You hate horrible Sparta. Argos – Earth – Just prove you are a big state. Corinth – Air – Help Argos to beat the vain Athenians and violent Spartans.

18. There were 4 Ancient Greek events (No, NOT wrestling. ) 1. Sprinting 2
There were 4 Ancient Greek events (No, NOT wrestling!) 1. Sprinting 2. The Marathon 3. Javelin 4. Shot Putt

19. Before the Games begin today, your first task is to design a poster for the Marcellin 2014 Olympic Games Bonus points are up for grabs for the best posters!

20. Good luck to all competitors and remember a healthy body gives you a healthy mind.