Olympic Games History and Symbols

History of the Olympic Games

• The Olympic Games originated from Ancient Greece, where the first Ancient Olympic Games took place in Olympia in 776 BCE.
• The Ancient Olympic Games were a religious festival, with athletes mainly being soldiers, and women were not allowed to compete or attend.
• Sports included boxing, wrestling, and chariot racing, and athletes competed completely naked.
• The Games were held every four years until at least 393 CE.

Modern Olympic Games

• The modern Olympic Games began in 1896 in Athens, with 280 athletes from 12 countries competing in 43 events.
• The 1924 Paris Olympics saw around 3,000 athletes, including more than 100 women, from more than 44 countries.
• The first Winter Olympics were held in 1924.

Paralympic Games

• The Paralympic Games were first held in Rome, Italy, in 1960, with 400 athletes from 23 countries.
• The Games are the largest international event for athletes with disabilities.

Symbols of the Olympic Games

• The Olympic rings are a globally recognized symbol of the Olympic movement, introduced in 1913.
• The five linked rings represent the union of five continents and the meeting of athletes from around the world.
• The Olympic torch relay symbolizes peace and friendship, and is lit in Olympia several months before the Olympic Games.

2024 Summer Olympics and Paralympics

• The 2024 Summer Olympics and Paralympics are taking place in France, with most events happening in Paris.
• The Olympic Games will feature 28 'core' sports and four 'optional' sports: skateboarding, sport climbing, surfing, and breaking.
• The Paralympics will feature 22 different sports, with para athletics as the largest sport.
• Around 15 million international visitors are expected to attend the Olympic Games, making it the world's most-watched multisport event.