Olympic Games

Olympic Games in the past was a festival of the Greek people. The first Olympic Games were held in 776 BC. The old Olympiads were held once in four years and the Greeks measured time in terms of the Game. The Olympic Games were not held for some period. But the Olympic Games were revived by Baron Pierre de Coubertin. He said that the Games would ennoble and strengthen amateur sports, to give them strength and lasting quality for an essential role in the world of modern education.

Olympic symbol comprises five rings linked together to represent the sporting friendship of all the people. The rings also symbolize the continents Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and America. The Olympic motto is “Citius – Altius -Fortius” meaning faster – higher – stronger. An Olympic flame was ceremonially lighted and burned in a giant torch at the Amsterdam Olympics in 1928. The modern version of the flame was adopted in 1936 at the Berlin Games. The Olympic blame symbolizes the continuity between the ancient and modern.

In ancient times the Olympic heroes received a crown of Olive branches. But in the modern Olympic Games medals and certificates are given to the Olympic champions. A gold medal is given to the winner. A silver medal is given to the athlete in the second place and the third placed athlete wins a bronze medal. In addition to the medals all the athletes ranking from first to sixth receive a certificate.