There are

88 Days left before the Olympics begin (This is from Monday April 30th)

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 stadium Photo credit: Hellenic Ministry of Culture)

Who could compete in the Olympics?

Free-born Greeks and those who spoke Greek Separate men ’ s and boys ’ divisions Divisions based on age and physical size and strength g NO WOMEN (married women could not even watch) www.britishcouncil.or

http://www.rediff.com/sports/2000/aug/24anc1.jpg

http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/first-olympic-5.jpg

What prizes did Olympic victors get?

The ancient Olympiads competed as individuals A laurel wreath to the victor http://www.athensenvironmental.org/projects/global_olive_wreath.asp

Pentathlon

This was a 5-event combination of discus, javelin, jumping, running and wrestling. Javelin Discus Jump

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.

Running Track: Olympia, Greece

The Modern Games

• Revived in 1896 and first hosted in Athens, Greece • Medals replaced the laurel wreaths

• The first modern olympic games were held in April 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 Olympics

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 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 .

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

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 (

Videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1 OYve6cMers (silly Olympic Video) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5 Dt4jjS_dyA (the moment it was announced that London has won the Olympic Bid)

Olympic Sport in the Spotlight

http://www1.skysports.c

om/olympics/handball/vi deo/21860/7571486/ Timelapse video of the Copper Box (Handball arena) being built http://www1.skysport

s.com/olympics/hand ball/video/21860/744 4797/ A guide to Handball

OLYMPIC VALUES

Olympic and Paralympic Values

Values Video

T:\AA Communications\Olympics Assemblies\Values_video.w

mv

Giant Olympic Rings in Kew Gardens

These are the sports at the Olympic Games . Do you know all of them?

the Olympic Games Which is your favourite?

the Olympic Games This link will let you find out more about each sport.