Ancient Olympics

Ancient Olympics

• Ancient Olympics commenced in 776 BC, initiated by Heracles to honor Zeus, his father.
• These Olympics were both a religious observance and a sports competition
• Events included javelin throw, wrestling, racing, and boxing.
• Winners received olive crowns.
• Games were held every 4 years in Olympia, Greece.
• Romans banned the Olympic Games, but the concept endured
• Participants were required to be Greek, physically fit, and neither slaves nor criminals.
• Competitors stayed for a month prior to participation.
• Women were barred from participation.
• Only amateur athletes were allowed to compete.
• Opening ceremonies involved gathering fathers, brothers, and trainers in the stadium.
• Experts in sports administered oaths to participants.
• Sacrifices of pigs were offered to Zeus.
• Spectators could object to a competitor, even after extensive training.
• The games lasted about five days.
• Winners were awarded with an olive crown, animals, or grains.

Modern Olympics

• The Modern Olympics emerged from a desire to promote global unity and brotherhood.
• Baron Pierre de Coubertin is known as the father of the Modern Olympics.
• In 1893, a meeting was held to encourage countries to participate.
• The aim was to cultivate value education, fraternity, social qualities, and national as well as international integrity.
• Initial participants included Italy, Greece, and Spain.
• The first Modern Olympic Games included nine countries.
• Women began participating in 1900.
• The Olympics were canceled in 1916, 1940, and 1944 due to World Wars.
• Both male and female participants are allowed in the Modern Olympics.
• Both professional and amateur athletes are eligible to participate.
• Participants require approval from their National Olympic Committee.
• A torch, symbolizing the Olympic flame, is brought from Greece.
• The head of state declares the Games open.
• A march pass includes all participating athletes.
• An Olympic oath is taken.
• Recreation and cultural programs occur.
• In closing ceremonies, athletes gather, and the head of state shares enjoyment.
• The Olympic Committee is honored.
• The Games are officially closed, the flag is lowered, and passed to the next host country.
• The Olympic flame is extinguished.
• Music and cultural performances take place.
• The Olympic song is sung.

Olympic Value Education

• It is based on the philosophy of the Olympics, emphasizing success through shared values.
• Key aspects include the joy of effort, fair play, respect, pursuit of excellence, and balance.
• It underlines the fundamental right to participate in physical education and sports without restriction.
• It encourages sports participation for enjoyment and refreshment of the mind.
• Sports days in schools promote recreation, reducing stress.
• Rules should be respected, team members honored, and mistakes acknowledged.
• Recognizing and appreciating good performance, even when competing, is important.
• Fair play is demonstrated by respecting rules and opponents.
• A fair play attitude is improved through sports participation.
• It promotes peace, equality, and unity among different races, religions, and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Equality is given to all, regardless of background.
• Respecting others, young or old, is fundamental.
• Striving for best performance happens when you achieve excellence.
• Give your best performance and improve outcomes.
• Excellence comes through effort, practice, and self-improvement.
• It encourages a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
• It balances physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
• Better focus of health and fitness is promoted to develop the athlete's body, mind, and character.

Olympic Symbols

• The Olympic flag was designed by Baron Pierre de Coubertin in 1913.
• It features five interlocking rings on a white silk cloth, representing continents and unity.
• The Olympic flame symbolizes spirit, knowledge, and life.
• It is lit in Greece and carried by runners to the host country.
• The flame burns throughout the Games and is extinguished at the closing ceremony.
• The Olympic mascot is a fictional character (animal/human) representing the host country and symbolizing the Games.
• Awards include gold, silver, and bronze medals.
• All participants receive certificates.
• The Olympic motto is "Citius, Altius, Fortius – Communiter," meaning "Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together".
• The Olympic oath is to ensure commitment to fair play.
• Values include respect, excellence, and friendship.

Olympic Structure and Committees

• A world-level organization oversees Olympic Games.
• The International Olympic Committee (IOC) was established in 1894 and is headquartered in Switzerland.
• The National Olympic Committee (NOC) governs the IOC.
• The IOC organizes the summer and winter Olympics
• Functions of IOC include determining venue and timing, organizing the event, implementing guidelines, ensuring fair play, and being against doping.
• IOC works against any discrimination at the Olympics.
• The IOC encourages youth participation in sports.
• The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) was formed in 1927 by Tata.
• The IOC recognizes IOA.
• The IOA headquarters are in New Delhi.
• Olympic participation requires IOA approval.
• IOA’s functions include following IOC regulations.
• National Olympic Committees (NOCs) are the main governing body for IOC.
• NOCs promote, develop, and protect the Olympics.
• There are 206 NOCs.
• The International Sports Federation (ISF) is a non-government organization recognized by the IOC.
• The ISF’s main role is to increase awareness for sports.