When
were the first Olympic Games?
The first known Olympic Games was recorded in around 776 BC in Olympia, Greece.
They were celebrated until 396 AD.
What events took place in the Ancient Olympic Games?
The Ancient Olympic Games consisted of only one race, the "stade" race, which
was the length of the stadium and between 180 and 240 metres long (we don't know
for sure). Over the years more running races and other events were added,
including boxing, wrestling, chariot racing, long jump, javelin and discus
throwing.
Who took part in the Ancient Olympic Games?
Only young men could take part. They had to be free men, and speak Greek. They
usually competed nude, and the prize was a crown of olive leaves (a sign of hope
and peace).
Who
revived the idea of the Olympic Games?
A French nobleman, Pierre Fredy, the Baron de Coubertin, born in 1863. When he
was young, Coubertin was a very keen sportsman. As he grew older he developed a
passionate belief that sport could encourage peace throughout the world and
bring people from all over the world together.
Coubertin was inspired by the ancient Olympic Games and travelled around the
world, spending his own money, trying to persuade people to revive them.
Eventually he managed to bring together representatives of many different
countries in Paris, in 1894, and the Olympic Movement was begun.
When and where were the first modern Olympic Games held?
The first modern Olympic Games were held in Athens in 1896.
Did women compete in this first modern Olympic Games?
No! Women began to compete in 1900. For many years there were problems for the
women athletes about what to wear, because it was considered very rude to show
any part of the body or even the shape of the body! Can you imagine trying to
run and jump covered from head to foot in clothes?
Who supervises the Olympic Games?
When Baron de Coubertin founded the Olympic Movement he established the
International Olympic Committee (the IOC) to supervise it, in 1894. He himself
served as its president for 29 years, and there have been 8 presidents since
then. There were originally 14 members but the Committee has now grown to over
130 members, all of whom must speak either French or English. Existing members
elect new members as required. The IOC is based in Lausanne, Switzerland.
What is the aim of the Olympic Movement?
"The goal of the Olympic Movement is to contribute to building a peaceful and
better world by educating youth through sport practiced without discrimination
of any kind and in the Olympic spirit, which requires mutual understanding with
a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play."
What is an Olympiad?
An Olympiad is the period of four years which starts with a summer Olympic
Games. Each Olympiad is counted with Roman numerals, and the year of the Games
cannot be changed (although Games have been skipped out, as in 1916 during the
First World War). The current Olympic Games in Beijing will be the Games of the
XXVIV Olympiad.
Who chooses the next host for the Olympic Games, and how?
Members of the IOC choose the next venue for the Olympic Games, which must be a
city rather than a country. So, for example, the next Olympics, in 2012, will be
hosted by London, rather than England. Any city which wishes to host the Games
put their bid to the IOC. Only one city from each country can bid, and even
putting forward a bid takes a huge amount of work and is very expensive.
Who selects each country's team of athletes?
Each country has their own National Olympic Committee (NOC). The NOCs represent
their countries at the Olympic Games and select their own national teams.
What is the Olympic torch?
Prior to each Games, the Olympic Torch or Flame is lit in Olympia, Greece and
brought to the host city by runners carrying the torch in relay.
What is the Olympic creed?
"The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take
part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but
the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have
fought well."
Who wins medals?
The athletes or teams who come first, second and third win medals:
respectively gold, silver and bronze.
Are the gold medals real gold?
No! They were solid gold until 1912, but are now silver covered with a
thin layer of
gold.
Why do we have the Olympic rings as the emblem of the Olympic Games?
The five interlocking rings (blue, yellow, black, green, and red respectively)
of the
emblem was originally designed in 1913 by Pierre de Coubertin, to symbolize the
five continents of the world taking part in the Olympic Games (the Americas are
viewed as a single continent, and Antarctica is omitted).
Tudor Theme
Crafts, worksheets, colouring pages, printables of all sorts, and lots of links
- a really comprehensive new theme for this popular royal dynasty!
Teacher AppreciationLots NEW!
Looking for ideas for the end of the school year? We have
lots of ways of saying "thankyou" to your child's
teacher, including ideas for class gifts.
We have lots of birthday printables (including invitations, planning
sheets, thank you letters and puzzles) as well as party games for all
ages. Party food and party theme ideas coming soon. BirthdaysLots NEW!
When
were the first Olympic Games?
Who
revived the idea of the Olympic Games?
