When and where were the First Olympics?

In 776 B.C. the first Olympics were held in Europe at Olympia, Greece. Olympia was a sanctuary dedicated in honor of Zeus, the father of all Greek Gods and Goddesses.

The games were part of a religious festival.

(Photos from right: model of layout of Zeus’Sanctuary; gateway to stadiumPhoto credit: Hellenic Ministry of Culture)

Who could compete in the Olympics?

www.britishcouncil.org

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Free-born Greeks and those who spoke Greek

Separate men’s and boys’ divisions

Divisions based on age and physical size and strength

NO WOMEN (married women could not even watch)

What prizes did Olympic victors get?

http://www.athensenvironmental.org/projects/global_olive_wreath.asp

A laurel wreath to the victor

The ancient Olympiads competed as individuals

PentathlonThis was a 5-event combination of discus, javelin, jumping, running and

wrestling.

The discus was made of stone, iron, bronze, or lead, and was shaped like a flying saucer. Sizes varied, since the boys' division was not expected to throw the same weight as the mens'.

The javelin was a man-high length of wood, with either a sharpened end or an attached metal point. It had a thong for a hurler's fingers attached to its center of gravity, which increased the precision and distance of a javelin's flight.

Athletes used lead or stone jump weights (halteres) shaped like telephone receivers to increase the length of their jump.

Discus

Javelin

Jump

Running Track:Olympia, Greece

The Modern GamesThe Modern Games

• Revived in 1896 and first hosted in Athens, Greece

• Medals replaced the laurel wreaths

• The first modern olympic games were held in Athens in 1896. They attracted athletes from the United States, Great Britain and 11 other nations.

• Only 42 events in 9 sports were scheduled for these games

Modern OlympicsModern Olympics

Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals are awarded to winners of each event.

The Modern Olympic flag of five linked rings, each with a primary color used in

the flags of the nations competing in the games, was introduced in 1908.

The idea of the Olympic torch or Olympic Flame was first

inaugurated in the 1928 Olympic Games in Amsterdam. There was

no torch relay in the ancient Olympic Games.

The selection of a city to host each Olympics, winter or summer, is

made by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Gymnastics

Here are some of the Olympic Sports that you can look out for in the Summer!

Swimming

Water Polo

Basketball

Football

Diving

Badminton

Fencing

Volley Ball

Weightlifting

Wrestling

Table Tennis

Track and Field

Canoe slalom (

OLYMPIC OLYMPIC VALUESVALUES

Olympic and Paralympic Values

Values VideoT:\AA Communications\Olympics Assemblies\Values_video.wmv

Giant Olympic Rings in Kew Gardens

These are the sports at the Olympic Games.

Do you know all of them?

Which is your favourite?

the Olympic Games

This link will let you find out more about each

sport.

the Olympic Games