Where are the modern Olympic Games held? The birth of the Olympic Games. The first Olympic Games in Ancient Greece

The Olympic Games are the largest sporting event loved by many. Millions of people watch them on TV, thousands come to the cities where the competition is held to see the strongest, most dexterous and fastest athletes in person. Every professional athlete dreams of not only winning, but at least getting into the Olympic arena. However, not many people know how they were created games, when they first took place and what the original concept of this competition was.

Legends about the origin

Many legends and myths have come down to us about the origin of these competitions, which have different plots and histories. However, one thing is certain: their homeland is Ancient Greece.

How the first competitions were held

The beginning of the first of them dates back to 776 BC. This date is very ancient, and it might not have survived to this day if not for the tradition of the Greeks: they engraved the names of the winners of the competition on columns specially erected for this. Thanks to these buildings we know not only the time when the games began, but also the name of the first winner. This man's name was Korab, and he was a resident of Ellida. It is interesting that the concept of the first thirteen games was very different from the subsequent ones, because initially there was only one competition - running a distance of one hundred and ninety-two meters.

At first, only the indigenous residents of the city of Pisa and Elis had the right to take part. However, the popularity of the competition soon grew so much that other large policies began to contribute to its development.

There were laws according to which not every person could take part in the Olympic Games. Women did not have this right, slaves and foreign inhabitants called barbarians. And anyone who wanted to become a full participant had to submit an application to the meeting of judges a whole year before the start of the competition. Moreover, before the actual start of the competition, potential participants were required to provide proof that all the time from the moment of registration they had worked hard on their physical fitness, performing various kinds exercise, training for long-distance running and staying in athletic shape.

Ancient games concept

Starting from the fourteenth, various sports began to be actively introduced into the games program.

The winners of the Olympics got literally everything they wanted. Their names were immortalized in history for centuries, and during their lifetime they were honored as demigods until old age. Moreover, after his death, each Olympiad participant was ranked among the minor gods.

For a long time, these competitions, without which it was previously impossible to imagine life, were forgotten. The thing is that after Emperor Theodosius came to power and the strengthening of the Christian faith, games began to be considered one of the manifestations of paganism, for which they were abolished in three hundred and ninety-four BC.

Renaissance

Fortunately, the games have not sunk into oblivion. We owe their revival to the famous writer and public figure, Baron Pierre de Coubertin, the creator of the modern concept of the Olympic Games. It happened in 1894, when, on the initiative of Coubertin, an international athletic congress was convened. During it, a decision was made to revive the games according to the standard of antiquity, as well as to establish the work of the IOC, that is, the International Olympic Committee.

The IOC began its existence on June 23 of the same year, and Demetrius Vikelas was appointed its first head, and Pierre Coubertin, already familiar to us, was its secretary. At the same time, Congress developed the rules and regulations under which the games would exist.

The first modern Olympic Games

It is not surprising that Athens was chosen to host the first modern games, since Greece is the origin of these competitions. It's interesting to note that Greece is a country, in which they were held in three centuries.

The first major competitions of modern times were opened on April 6, 1896. More than three hundred athletes took part in them, and the number of sets of awards exceeded four dozen. At the first games competitions were held in the following sports disciplines:

The games ended by the fifteenth of April. The awards were distributed as follows:

• The absolute winner, who collected greatest number Greece won medals, namely forty-six, of which ten were gold.
• The USA took second place with a decent margin from the winner, collecting twenty awards.
• Germany collected thirteen medals and finished in third place.
• But Bulgaria, Chile and Sweden left the competition with nothing.

The success of the competition was so enormous that the rulers of Athens immediately offered to hold the games on their territory. However, according to the rules established by the IOC, the venue must change every four years.

Unexpectedly, the next two terms were quite difficult for the Olympics, because the venues where they were held hosted world exhibitions, which made it difficult to receive guests. Due to the combination of these events, the organizers were afraid that the popularity of the games would quickly decline, however, everything was quite the opposite. People fell in love with such large competitions, and then, on the initiative of the same Coubertin, traditions began to form, their flag and emblem were created.

Traditions of the Games and their symbols

The most famous symbol looks like five rings of the same size and intertwined with each other. They come in the following sequence: blue, yellow, black, green and red. Such a simple emblem carries with it deep meaning, showing the union of five continents and the meeting of people from all over the world. It is interesting that each Olympic committee has developed its own emblem, however, the five rings are certainly its main part.

The games flag appeared in 1894 and was approved by the IOC. The white flag features the five traditional rings. And the motto of the competition is: faster, higher, stronger.

Another symbol of the Olympics is fire. The lighting of the Olympic flame has become a traditional ritual before the start of any games. It is lit in the city where the competition is held and remains there until it ends. This was done back in ancient times, however, the custom did not return to us immediately, but only in 1928.

An integral part of the symbolism of these large-scale competitions is the Olympic mascot. Each country has its own. The issue of the appearance of mascots arose at the next IOC meeting in 1972. By committee decision it could be any person, animal or any mythical creature, which would not only fully reflect the identity of the country, but also speak about modern Olympic values.

The emergence of winter games

In 1924, it was decided to establish winter competitions. Initially, they were held in the same year as the summer ones, however, later it was decided to move them two years relative to the summer ones. France became the host of the first Winter Games. Surprisingly, only half as many spectators were interested in them as expected, and not all tickets were sold out. Despite previous failures, the Winter Olympics became more and more popular with the fans, and they soon gained the same popularity as the summer ones.

Interesting Facts from the history

Modern youth devote little time to sports, not only at the professional but also at the amateur level. An extensive network of competitions operates to popularize the sport. Today we will look at which country the Olympic competitions originated in, when they were held, and the situation today.

In contact with

Sports competitions of antiquity

The date of the first Olympic Games (hereinafter referred to as the Olympic Games) is unknown, but remains them - Ancient Greece. The heyday of Hellenic statehood led to the formation of a religious and cultural holiday, which for a time united the layers of selfish society.

Worship of the beauty of the human body was actively cultivated; enlightened people sought to achieve perfection of form. It is not for nothing that most marble statues from the Greek period depict beautiful men and women of that time.

Olympia is considered the first “sports” city of Hellas; here, the winners of the championships were revered as full-fledged participants in hostilities. In 776 BC. revived the festival.

The reason for the decline of the Olympic Games is Roman expansion into the Balkans. With the spread of the Christian faith, such holidays began to be considered pagan. In 394, Emperor Theodosius I banned sports competitions.

Attention! Sports competitions provided for several weeks of neutrality - it was forbidden to declare or wage war. Every day was considered sacred, dedicated to the gods. It is not surprising that the Olympic Games originated in Hellas.

Prerequisites for the revival of the Olympic Games

The ideas of world championships never completely died; England held tournaments and sports competitions of a local nature. The history of the 19th century Olympic Games is characterized by the holding of Olympia, the predecessor of modern competitions. The idea belongs to the Greeks: To Sutsos and public figure Zappas. They made the first modern Olympic Games possible.

Archaeologists have discovered clusters of ancient monumental structures of unknown purpose in the country where sports competitions originated. of those years he was very interested in Antiquity.

Baron Pierre de Coubertin considered the physical training of soldiers inappropriate. In his opinion, this was the reason for the defeat in the last war with the Germans (the Franco-Prussian confrontation of 1870-1871). He sought to instill in the French a desire for self-development. He believed that young people should “break spears” in sports arenas, and not through military conflicts.

Attention! Excavations on the territory of Greece were carried out by a German expedition, so Coubertin succumbed to revanchist sentiments. His expression “The German people found the remains of Olympia. Why shouldn’t France restore the fragments of its former power?”, often serves as fair evidence.

Baron with a big heart

is the founder modern Olympic Games. Let's spend a few words on his biography.

Little Pierre was born on January 1, 1863 in the capital of the French Empire. The youth passed through the prism of self-education, attended a number of prestigious colleges in England and America, and considered sport an integral part of the development of a person as an individual. He played rugby and was a referee in the first final of the French championship.

The history of the famous competitions was of interest to the society of that time, so Coubertin decided to hold competitions on a global scale. November 1892 was remembered for his presentation at the Sorbonne University. It was dedicated to the revival of the Olympic movement. Russian General Butovsky was imbued with Pierre's ideas, as he held the same views.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) appointed de Coubertin general secretary, subsequently – president of the organization. Work went hand in hand with imminent marriage. In 1895, Marie Rotan became a baroness. The marriage brought two children: the first-born Jacques and daughter Renee suffered from diseases of the nervous system. The Coubertin family was interrupted after the death of Marie at the age of 101. She lived with the knowledge that her husband had revived the Olympic Games and occupied a prominent position.

With the beginning, Pierre went to the front, leaving public activities. Both of his nephews died on the way to victory.

While serving as head of the IOC, Coubertin often faced criticism. The public was outraged by the “wrong” interpretation of the first Olympic Games and excessive professionalism. Many claimed that he abused his power in dealing with various issues.

Great public figure died September 2, 1937 year in Geneva (Switzerland). His heart became part of a monument near the ruins of Greek Olympia.

Important! The Pierre de Coubertin Medal has been awarded by the IOC since the death of the honorary president. Deserving athletes are recognized with this award for their generosity and adherence to the spirit of Fair Play.

Revival of the Olympic Games

The French baron revived the Olympic Games, but the bureaucratic machine delayed the championship. Two years later, the French Congress made a historic decision: the first Olympic Games of our time will take place on Greek soil. Among the reasons for this decision are:

• the desire to “outdo the nose” of a German neighbor;
• make a good impression on civilized countries;
• championship in an undeveloped area;
• the growing influence of France as a cultural and sports center of the Old World.

The first Olympic Games of modern times took place in the Greek polis of Antiquity - Athens (1896). The sports competition was a success; 241 athletes expressed a desire to participate. The Greek side was so pleased with the attention from world states that they proposed to “forever” hold the competition in their historical homeland. The IOC decided on rotation between countries in order to change the host country every 4 years.

The first achievements gave way to a crisis. The stream of spectators quickly dried up, as the competitions were held for several months. The first Olympics in 1906 (Athens) saved the disastrous situation.

Attention! The national team came to the capital of France for the first time Russian Empire, women were allowed to participate in competitions.

Irish Olympian

James ConnollyJames Connolly – first Olympic champion peace. Working hard from an early age, he became interested in contact sports.

He studied at Harvard University and, without permission, went on a cargo ship to the shores of Greece. Subsequently he was expelled, but the first Olympiad succumbed to him.

With a result of 13 m and 71 cm, the Irishman was the strongest in the athletics triple jump. A day later, he won bronze in the long jump and silver in the high jump.

At home, he was awaited by the restored title of student, popularity and universal recognition as the first modern champion of famous competitions.

He was awarded the title of Doctor of Science in Literature (1949). He died at the age of 88 (January 20, 1957).

Important! The Olympic Games are held under the supervision of a unique symbol - five interconnected rings. They symbolize the unity of everyone in the movement of sports improvement. At the top are blue, black and red, at the bottom are yellow and green.

Situation today

Modern competitions are the founder of the culture of health and sports. Their popularity and demand is beyond doubt, and the number of participants and spectators of the competition is growing every year.

The IOC is trying to keep up with the times and has established many traditions that have taken root over time. Sports competitions are now full of atmosphere"ancient" traditions:

1. Grand performances at the opening and closing ceremonies. Everyone tries to carry them out in a big way, some of them overdo it.
2. Ceremonial passage of athletes from each participating country. The Greek team always goes first, the rest are in alphabetical order.
3. The outstanding athlete of the receiving party must take an oath of fair fight for everyone.
4. Lighting of a symbolic torch in the Temple of Apollo (Greece). It travels across participating countries. Each athlete must complete his part of the relay.
5. The presentation of medals is filled with centuries-old traditions, the winner rises to the podium, above which the national flag is raised, and the national anthem is played.
6. A prerequisite is the “first Olympics” symbolism. The host party develops a stylized symbol of the sports festival that would reflect the national flavor.

Attention! Release souvenir products may cover the costs of the event. Many European countries They will share their experience on how to gain without losing anything.

Many people are wondering when there will be Olympic Games, we hasten to satisfy the interest of readers.

Symbolic torch lighting ceremony in the temple

What year is the new championship?

First Olympics 2018 will take place in South Korea. Climatic features and its rapid development made it an ideal candidate to host the Winter Games.

Summer is hosted by Japan. A country high technology will provide safety and comfortable conditions for athletes from all over the world.

The football confrontation will take place on the fields Russian Federation. Now most of the sports facilities have been completed, and work is underway to equip hotel complexes. Improving infrastructure is a priority for the Russian government.

2018 Olympics in South Korea

Prospects

Modern ways of developing these competitions suggest:

1. Increasing the number of sports disciplines.
2. Promoting a healthy lifestyle, social and charitable events.
3. Introduction of advanced technologies for the convenience of celebrations, increased security, and comfort of participating athletes.
4. Maximum distance from foreign policy intrigues.

First Olympic Games

1896 Olympics

Conclusion

Pierre de Coubertin is the founder of the modern Olympic Games. His obsession has helped save millions of lives as countries compete openly in the sporting arena. Preserving peace was a priority at the end of the 19th century, and remains so today.

Olympic Games - the most significant in the world sport competitions. They are held every four years. Every athlete dreams of winning these competitions. The origins of the Olympic Games date back to ancient times. They were carried out as early as the seventh century BC. Why were the ancient Olympic Games called holidays of peace? In which country were they held for the first time?

The myth of the birth of the Olympic Games

In ancient times these were the greatest national festivals. Who is the founder of the ancient Olympic Games is unknown. Myths and legends played a significant role in the social and cultural life of the ancient Greeks. The Hellenes believed that the origin of the Olympic Games dates back to the time of Kronos, the son of the first god Uranus. In a competition between mythical heroes, Hercules won the race, for which he was awarded an olive wreath. Subsequently, the winner insisted that sports competitions be held every five years. Such is the legend. There are, of course, other legends about the origins of the Olympic Games.

To historical sources confirming the holding of these festivals in Ancient Greece, refers to Homer's Iliad. This book mentions a chariot race organized by the inhabitants of Elis, the region in the Peloponnese where Olympia was located.

Holy Truce

A mere mortal who played a significant role in the development of the ancient Greek Olympic Games was King Iphitus. During his reign, the interval between competitions was already four years. Having resumed the Olympic Games, Iphit declared a sacred truce. That is, during these celebrations it was impossible to wage war. And not only in Elis, but also in other parts of Hellas.

Elis was considered a sacred place. It was impossible to wage war with her. True, later the Eleans themselves invaded neighboring regions more than once. Why were the ancient Olympic Games called holidays of peace? Firstly, the holding of these competitions was associated with names of the gods who highly revered by the ancient Greeks. Secondly, the aforementioned truce was declared for a month, which had a special name - ἱερομηνία.

Scientists have not yet come to a conclusion about the types of sports in the Olympic Games held by the Hellenes. unanimous opinion. There is an opinion that initially athletes competed only in running. Later, wrestling and chariot racing were added to the sports in the Olympic Games.

Participants

Among the citizens in Ancient Greece there were those who were subjected to public dishonor and contempt of others, that is, atymia. They could not become participants in competitions. Only dear Hellenes. Of course, barbarians, who could only be spectators, did not take part in the ancient Olympic Games. An exception was made only in favor of the Romans. At the ancient Greek Olympic Games, a woman did not even have the right to attend unless she was a priestess of the goddess Demeter.

The number of both spectators and participants was huge. If at the first Olympic Games in Ancient Greece (776 BC) competitions were held only in running, then later other sports appeared. And over time, poets and artists got the opportunity to compete in their skills. During the celebrations, even deputies competed with each other in the abundance of offerings to mythical deities.

From the history of the Olympic Games it is known that these events had quite an important social and cultural significance. Deals were made between merchants, artists and poets introduced the public to their creations.

Competitions were held on the first full moon after the summer solstice. Lasted five days. A certain part of the time was devoted to rituals with sacrifices and a public feast.

Types of competitions

The history of the Olympic Games, as already mentioned, is full of tales and legends. However, there is reliable information regarding the types of competitions. At the first Olympic Games in Ancient Greece, athletes competed in running. This sport was represented by the following varieties:

• Distance running.
• Double run.
• Long run.
• Running in full armor.

First fist fight took place at the 23rd Olympics. Later, the ancient Greeks added martial arts such as pankration, wrestling. It was said above that women had no right to take part in competitions. However, in 688 BC, special competitions were created for the most purposeful inhabitants in Ancient Greece. The only one a sport in which they could compete, there were horse races.

In the fourth century BC, a competition between trumpeters and heralds was added to the program of the Olympic Games - the Hellenes believed that aesthetic pleasure and sport had a logical connection. Artists exhibited their works on the market square. Poets and writers, as mentioned above, read their works. Sometimes, after the completion of the Games, sculptors were commissioned to create statues of the winners, and lyricists composed songs of praise in honor of the strongest and most dexterous.

Ellanodon

What were the names of the judges who observed the progress of the competition and awarded awards to the winners? Ellanodons were appointed by lot. The judges not only presented the award, but also managed the organization of the entire event. At the first Olympic Games there were only two of them, then nine, and even later ten. Beginning in 368 BC, there were twelve Hellanodons. However, later the number of judges was reduced. Ellanodons wore special purple clothing.

How did the competition begin? The athletes proved to the spectators and judges that they had devoted the previous months exclusively to preliminary preparation. They took an oath in front of the statue of the main ancient Greek god - Zeus. Relatives of those wishing to compete - fathers and brothers - also took an oath. A month before the competition, the athletes demonstrated their skills in front of judges in the Olympic Gymnasium.

The order of the competition was determined by drawing lots. Then the herald publicly announced the name of the person entering the competition. Where were the Olympic Games held?

Sanctuary of Ancient Greece

Where the Olympic Games took place is clear from the name. Olympia is located in the northwestern part of the Peloponnesian Peninsula. This was once located here temple-cultural complex and sacred grove of Zeus. On the territory of the ancient Greek sanctuary there were religious buildings, monuments, sports facilities and houses in which participants and guests lived. This place was the center of Greek art until the fourth century BC. Later they were burned by order of Theodosius II.

The Olympic Stadium was built gradually. He became the first in Ancient Greece. In the fifth century BC this stadium hosted about forty thousand spectators. For training, a gymnasium was used - a structure treadmill which was equal in length to the one located in the stadium itself. Another platform for preliminary preparation - palaestra. It was a square structure with courtyard. Mostly athletes who competed in wrestling and fist fighting trained here.

Leonidoion, which performed the functions, was built in the fifth century BC according to the design of a famous architect in Ancient Greece. The huge building consisted of a courtyard surrounded by columns and included many rooms. The Olympic Games played an important role in the religious life of the Hellenes. Therefore, local residents erected several temples and sanctuaries here. The structures fell into disrepair after an earthquake that occurred in the sixth century. The racetrack was finally destroyed during a flood.

The last Olympic Games in Ancient Greece took place in 394. Banned by Emperor Theodosius. In the Christian era, these events were regarded as pagan. The revival of the Olympic Games took place two millennia later. Although already in the 17th century, competitions reminiscent of the Olympic ones were held repeatedly in England, France and Greece.

Revival of ancient Greek traditions

The predecessors of the modern Olympic Games were the Olympias, held in the mid-19th century. But they, of course, were not so large-scale and had little in common with the competitions, which in our time are held once every four years. The French Pierre de Coubertin played a significant role in the revival of the Olympic Games. Why did Europeans suddenly remember the traditions of the ancient Greeks?

In the middle of the 17th century, archaeological research was carried out in Olympia, as a result of which scientists discovered the remains of temple buildings. The work continued for more than ten years. At this time, everything related to Antiquity was popular in Europe. Many public and cultural figures became infected with the desire to revive Olympic traditions. At the same time, the French showed the greatest interest in the culture of sports competitions in Ancient Greece, although the archaeological discoveries belonged to the Germans. This can be easily explained.

In 1871, the French army suffered a defeat, which significantly undermined the patriotic spirit in society. Pierre de Coubertin believed that the reason was the poor physical training of the soldiers. He did not try to inspire his countrymen to fight Germany and other European powers. The French public figure spoke a lot about the need to improve physical culture, but also advocated for overcoming national egoism and establishing international understanding.

The first Olympic Games: modern times

In June 1894, a congress was held at the Sorbonne, at which Coubertin presented to the world community his thoughts on the need to revive ancient Greek traditions. His ideas were supported. On the last day of the congress, it was decided to hold the Olympic Games in two years. They were supposed to take place in Athens. The committee for holding international competitions was headed by Demetrius Vikelas. Pierre de Coubertin took over as secretary general.

The 1896 Olympic Games were the largest sporting event. Greek statesmen put forward a proposal to hold the Olympic Games exclusively in their homeland. However, the committee decided otherwise. The location of the Games changes every four years.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the Olympic movement was not widely popular. This is partly due to the fact that at that time the World Exhibition was being held in Paris. Some historians believe that the Olympic ideas were saved thanks to the intermediate games of 1906, held again in Athens.

Differences between modern Games and ancient Greek ones

The competitions were resumed on the model of ancient sports competitions. The modern Olympic Games unite athletes from all countries; discrimination against individuals on religious, racial or political grounds is not allowed. This, perhaps, is the main difference between the modern Games and the ancient Greek ones.

What did the modern Olympic Games borrow from the ancient Greek ones? First of all, the names themselves. The frequency of competitions was also borrowed. One of the purposes of the modern Olympic Games is to serve peace and establish mutual understanding between countries. This is consistent with the ideas of the ancient Greeks about a temporary truce during the days of the competition. The Olympic flame and torch are symbols of the Olympics, which arose, of course, in antiquity. Some terms and rules for conducting competitions were also borrowed from the ancient Greeks.

There are, of course, several significant differences between modern Games and ancient ones. The ancient Greeks held sports competitions exclusively in Olympia. Today the Games are organized each time in a different city. In Ancient Greece there was no such thing as the Winter Olympic Games. And the competitions were different. In antiquity in the Olympic Not only athletes, but also poets participated in the games.

Symbolism

Everyone knows what the symbol of the Olympic Games looks like. Five connected rings of black, blue, red, yellow and Green colour. However, few people know that these elements do not belong to any specific continent. sounds in Latin, translated into Russian means “faster, higher, stronger.” The flag is a white panel with the image of rings. It has been lifted at every Games since 1920.

Both the opening and closing of the Games are accompanied by a grandiose, colorful ceremony. The best organizers are involved in developing the scenario mass events. People are eager to take part in this spectacle. famous actors, singers. The broadcast of this international event attracts tens of millions of viewers around the world to television screens.

If the ancient Greeks believed that in honor of the Olympic Games it was worth suspending any military action, then in the twentieth century the opposite happened. Sports competitions were canceled due to armed conflicts. The games were not held in 1916, 1940, 1944. The Olympics have been held in Russia twice. In 1980 in Moscow and in 2014 in Sochi.

History of the Olympic Games

Once every four years, the Olympic Games are held - this is the name of sports competitions in which the best athletes from different countries peace. Each of them dreams of becoming an Olympic champion and receiving a medal as a reward - gold, silver or bronze. Almost 11 thousand athletes from more than 200 countries came to the 2016 Olympic competitions in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro.

Although these sports games are mainly played by adults, some sports, as well as the history of the Olympic Games, can also be very exciting for children. And, probably, both children and adults would be interested to know when the Olympic Games appeared, how they got their name, and also what types of sports exercises were in the very first competitions. In addition, we will find out how the modern Olympic Games are held and what their emblem means - five multi-colored rings.

The birthplace of the Olympic Games is Ancient Greece. The earliest historical records of the ancient Olympic Games were found on Greek marble columns, where the date 776 BC was engraved. However, it is known that sports competitions in Greece took place much earlier than this date. Therefore, the history of the Olympics goes back about 2800 years, which, you see, is quite a long time.

Do you know who, according to history, became one of the first Olympic champions? - This was ordinary cook Koribos from the city of Elis, whose name is still engraved on one of those marble columns.

The history of the Olympic Games goes back to ancient city— Olympia, where the name of this sports festival came from. This settlement is located in a very beautiful place - near Mount Kronos and on the banks of the Alpheus River, and it is here that from ancient times to the present day the ceremony of lighting the torch with the Olympic flame takes place, which is then passed along the relay to the city of the Olympic Games.

You can try to find this place on a world map or in an atlas and at the same time test yourself - can I find Greece first and then Olympia?

How were the Olympic Games held in ancient times?

At first, only local residents took part in sports competitions, but then everyone liked it so much that people from all over Greece and its subordinate cities began to come here, even from the Black Sea itself. People got there as best they could - some rode a horse, some had a cart, but most people walked to the holiday. The stadiums were always crowded with spectators - everyone really wanted to see sports competitions with their own eyes.

It is also interesting that in those days when the Olympic competitions were going to be held in Ancient Greece, a truce was declared in all cities and all wars stopped for about a month. For ordinary people it was calm Peaceful time, when you could take a break from everyday affairs and have fun.

The athletes trained for 10 months at home, and then another month in Olympia, where experienced trainers helped them prepare as best as possible for the competition. At the beginning of sports games, everyone took an oath, the participants - that they would compete fairly, and the judges - that they would judge fairly. Then the competition itself began, which lasted 5 days. The start of the Olympic Games was announced with a silver trumpet, which was blown several times, inviting everyone to gather in the stadium.

What sports were at the Olympic Games in ancient times?

These were:

• running competitions;
• struggle;
• long jump;
• javelin and discus throwing;
• hand-to-hand combat;
• Chariot racing.

The best athletes were given an award - a laurel wreath or an olive branch; the champions solemnly returned to their hometown and were considered respected people for the rest of their lives. Banquets were held in their honor, and sculptors made marble statues for them.

Unfortunately, in 394 AD, the holding of the Olympic Games was banned by the Roman emperor, who really did not like such competitions.

Modern Olympic Games

The first Olympic Games of our time took place in 1896, in the ancestral country of these games - Greece. You can even calculate how long the break was - from 394 to 1896 (it turns out 1502 years). And now, after so many years in our time, the birth of the Olympic Games became possible thanks to one famous French baron, his name was Pierre de Coubertin.

Pierre de Coubertin- founder of the modern Olympic Games.

This man really wanted as many people as possible to engage in sports and proposed resuming the Olympic Games. Since then, sports games have been held every four years, preserving the traditions of ancient times as much as possible. But now the Olympic Games have begun to be divided into winter and summer, which alternate with each other.

Traditions and symbolism of the Olympic Games

Olympic rings

Probably each of us has seen the emblem of the Olympics - intertwined colored rings. They were chosen for a reason - each of the five rings means one of the continents:

• blue ring - a symbol of Europe,
• black - African,
• red - America,
• yellow - Asia,
• The green ring is the symbol of Australia.

And the fact that the rings are intertwined with each other means the unity and friendship of people on all these continents, despite different colour skin.

Olympic flag

The official flag of the Olympic Games was a white flag with the Olympic emblem. White color is a symbol of peace during Olympic competitions, just as it was in ancient Greek times. At each Olympics, the flag is used at the opening and closing of the sports games, and then handed over to the city where the next Olympics will take place in four years.

Olympic flame

Even in ancient times, the tradition of lighting a fire during the Olympic Games arose, and it has survived to this day. The ceremony of lighting the Olympic flame is very interesting to watch; it is reminiscent of an ancient Greek theatrical performance.

It all starts in Olympia a few months before the start of the competition. For example, the flame for the Brazilian Olympic Games was lit in Greece back in April of this year.

In Olympia, Greece, eleven girls gather, dressed in long white dresses, as they used to be in ancient Greece, then one of them takes a mirror and, with the help of sun rays lights a specially prepared torch. This is the fire that will burn throughout the entire period of Olympic competition.

After the torch lights up, it is handed over to one of the best athletes, who will then carry it first through the cities of Greece, and then deliver it to the country where the Olympic Games will be held. Then the torch relay passes through the cities of the country and finally arrives at the place where the sporting competitions will be held.

A large bowl is installed at the stadium and a fire is lit in it with the torch that arrived from distant Greece. The fire in the bowl will burn until all sports competitions are over, then it will go out, and this symbolizes the end of the Olympic Games.

Opening and closing ceremony of the Olympics

It is always a bright and colorful sight. Each country hosting the Olympic Games tries to surpass the previous one in this component, sparing neither effort nor money on the presentation. For staging they are used latest achievements science and technology, innovative technologies and development. In addition, a large number of people are involved - volunteers. The most are invited famous people countries: artists, composers, athletes, etc.

Awards ceremony for winners and runners-up

When the first Olympic Games took place, the winners received a laurel wreath as a reward. However, modern champions are no longer awarded laurel wreaths, but medals: first place is a gold medal, second place is a silver medal, and third place is a bronze medal.

It is very interesting to watch the competitions, but it is even more interesting to see how the champions are awarded. The winners stand on a special pedestal with three steps, according to their places, they are awarded medals and raised the flags of the countries from which these athletes came.

That’s the whole history of the Olympic Games, for children, I think, the above information will be interesting and useful

Olympic Games

1 Ancient Olympic Games

2 Revival of the Olympic Games

3 Modern Olympic Games

• 3.1 Summer Olympic Games medalists in the team event

  3.2 Winners of the Winter Olympic Games in the team event

  3.3 Amateur spirit

  3.4 Funding

  3.5 Olympic venues

Olympic Games- largest international complex sports competitions, which are held every four years. A tradition that existed in Ancient Greece, was revived at the end 19th century French public figure Pierre de Coubertin. Olympic Games, also known as Summer Olympics, were carried out every four years, starting from 1896 , with the exception of years falling on world wars. IN 1924 were established Winter Olympic Games, which were originally held in the same year as the summer ones. However, starting from 1994, the timing of the Winter Olympic Games has been shifted by two years relative to the timing of the Summer Games.

In the same venues of the Olympic Games, two weeks later, Paralympic Games for people with disabilities.

Ancient Olympic Games

The Olympic Games of Ancient Greece were a religious and sports festival held in Olympia. Information about the origin of the games has been lost, but several myths have survived that describe this event. From history, many documents, buildings and sculptures of that period have come to us. If you look closely, we will notice that all the statues of that period show human bodies and not just any bodies, but beautiful ones. During that period of history, the cult of beautiful forms for buildings and the cult beautiful bodies. “A healthy mind in a healthy body,” this is how one of the ideas and reasons for the appearance of such beautiful sculptures can be described. Sports and athletic competitions began already in this ancient period. The winners of the competitions were revered as heroes in war. The first documented celebration dates back to 776 BC. They were established by Hercules, although it is known that games were held earlier. During the games, a sacred truce (έκεχειρία ), at this time it was impossible to wage war, although this was repeatedly violated. The Olympic Games significantly lost their importance with the arrival of the Romans. After Christianity became the official religion, games began to be seen as a manifestation of paganism, and in 394 AD. e. they were banned by the emperor Theodosius I.

Revival of the Olympic Games

Baron Pierre de Coubertin

Even after the ban on ancient competitions, the Olympic idea did not disappear forever. For example, in England during 17th century“Olympic” competitions and competitions were held repeatedly. Later, similar competitions were organized in France And Greece. However, these were small events that were, at best, regional in nature. The first true predecessors of the modern Olympic Games are the Olympias, which were held regularly during the period 1859 -1888. The idea of ​​reviving the Olympic Games in Greece belonged to the poet Panagiotis Soutsos, brought it to life by a public figure Evangelis Zappas.

In 1766, as a result of archaeological excavations in Olympia, sports and temple buildings were discovered. In 1875, archaeological research and excavations continued under German leadership. At that time, romantic-idealistic ideas about antiquity were in vogue in Europe. The desire to revive Olympic thinking and culture spread quite quickly throughout Europe. French Baron Pierre de Coubertin ( fr. Pierre de Coubertin), later reflecting on the contribution of France, said: “Germany unearthed what remained of ancient Olympia. Why can't France restore its old greatness?

According to Coubertin, it was the weak physical condition of the French soldiers that became one of the reasons for the defeat of the French in Franco-Prussian War 1870 -1871 . He sought to change the situation by improving the physical culture of the French. At the same time, he wanted to overcome national egoism and contribute to the struggle for peace and international understanding. The “youth of the world” were supposed to measure their strength in sports competitions, and not on the battlefields. Reviving the Olympic Games seemed in his eyes the best solution to achieve both goals.

At the congress held June 16-23, 1894 in Sorbonne(University of Paris), he presented his thoughts and ideas to an international audience. On the last day of the congress it was decided that first modern Olympic Games should take place in 1896 in Athens, in the parent country of the Games - Greece. To organize the Games, it was founded International Olympic Committee(IOC). The first president of the Committee was a Greek Demetrius Vikelas, who was president until graduation I Olympic Games 1896. Baron Pierre de Coubertin became the General Secretary.

Poster for the first Olympic Games

The first Games of our time were a great success. Despite the fact that only 241 athletes (14 countries) took part in the Games, the Games became the largest sporting event ever held since Ancient Greece. Greek officials were so pleased that they put forward a proposal to hold the Olympic Games “forever” in their homeland, Greece. But the IOC introduced rotation between different states so that every 4 years the Games change their location.

After the first success, the Olympic movement experienced its first crisis. II Olympic Games 1900 V Paris (France) And III Olympic Games 1904 V St. Louis (Missouri, USA) were combined with World exhibitions. Sports competitions dragged on for months and attracted almost no interest from spectators. At the 1900 Olympics in Paris, women and a team participated for the first time Russian Empire. Almost only American athletes participated in the 1904 Olympics in St. Louis, since Europe getting across the ocean in those years was very difficult for technical reasons.

On Extraordinary Olympic Games 1906 In Athens (Greece), sporting competitions and achievements once again took first place. Although the IOC initially recognized and supported the holding of these "interim Games" (just two years after the previous ones), these Games are now not recognized as Olympic Games. Some sports historians consider the 1906 Games to be the salvation of the Olympic idea, as they prevented the games from becoming “meaningless and unnecessary.”

Modern Olympic Games

The principles, rules and regulations of the Olympic Games are defined Olympic Charter, the fundamentals of which have been approved International Sports Congress V Paris V 1894 , who accepted at the suggestion of a French teacher and public figure Pierre de Coubertin the decision to organize the Games on the model of the ancient ones and to create International Olympic Committee(IOC). According to the charter, the Olympic Games “... unite amateur athletes from all countries in fair and equal competition. There shall be no discrimination against countries or individuals on racial, religious or political grounds...” Besides olympic sports, the organizing committee has the right to choose to include in the program exhibition competitions in 1-2 sports not recognized by the IOC.

Games of the Olympics, also known as Summer Olympics, are held in the first year of the 4-year (Olympic) cycle. The Olympiads are counted from 1896 when the first Olympic Games took place (I Olympiad - 1896-99). The Olympiad also receives its number in cases where the games are not held (for example, VI - in 1916-19, XII - 1940-43, XIII - 1944-47). The term "Olympiad" officially means a four-year cycle, but unofficially it is often used instead of the name "Olympic Games" . In the same years as the Olympic Games, with 1924 were carried out Winter Olympic Games, which have their own numbering. In the numbering of the Winter Olympic Games, missed games are not taken into account (behind the IV games 1936 followed by V games 1948 ). Since 1994, the dates of the Winter Olympic Games have been shifted by 2 years relative to the summer ones.

The location of the Olympics is chosen by the IOC; the right to organize them is granted to the city, not the country. The duration of the Games is on average 16-18 days. Taking into account the climatic characteristics of different countries, the Summer Games can be held not only in the “summer months”. So XXVII Summer Olympic Games 2000 V Sydney (Australia), due to Australia’s location in the Southern Hemisphere, where summer begins in December, were held in September, that is, in the fall.

Symbol of the Olympic Games- five fastened rings, symbolizing the unification of the five parts of the world in the Olympic movement, i.e. the Olympic rings. The colors of the rings in the top row are blue, black and red. In the bottom row - yellow and green. The Olympic Movement has its own emblem and flag, approved by the IOC upon proposal Coubertin V 1913 . The emblem is the Olympic rings. Motto - Citius, Altius, Fortius (lat. "faster, higher, stronger"). Flag- a white banner with the Olympic rings, raised at all Games, starting with VII Olympic Games 1920 V Antwerp (Belgium), where it also began to be given for the first time olympic oath. The parade of national teams under the flags at the opening of the Games is held from IV Olympic Games 1908 V London (Great Britain). WITH Olympics-1936 V Berlin (Germany) relay race is held olympic flame. Olympic mascots first appeared at the 1968 Summer and Winter Games unofficially, and have been approved since the 1972 Olympics.

Among the traditional rituals of the Games (in the order in which they are held):

grandiose and colorful opening and closing ceremonies of the Games. From year to year, the best of the best from all over the world are involved in the development of scripts for these spectacles: screenwriters, organizers of mass shows, special effects specialists, etc. Many famous singers, actors and other very eminent people are eager to take part in this spectacle. Broadcasts of these events break records of viewership every time. Each country organizing the Olympics strives to surpass all previous ones in the scope and beauty of these ceremonies. Ceremony scripts are kept in the strictest confidence until they begin. The ceremonies take place in central stadiums with a large capacity, where competitions are held. athletics(exception: 2016 Summer Olympics, where central Stadium, will host football finals, without athletics).

opening and closing begin with a theatrical performance, which should present to the audience the appearance of the country and city, acquaint them with their history and culture.

ceremonial passage of athletes and members of delegations through the central stadium. Athletes from each country go in a separate group. Traditionally, the delegation of athletes from Greece, the parent country of the Games, goes first. Other groups are in order corresponding to the alphabetical order of the names of countries in the language of the host country of the Games. (Or in the official IOC language - French or English). At the front of each group is a representative of the host country, carrying a sign with the name of the respective country in the language of the host country of the Games and in the official languages ​​of the IOC. Behind him at the head of the group is a standard bearer - usually an athlete participating in the games, carrying the flag of his country. The right to carry the flag is highly honorable for athletes. As a rule, this right is trusted to the most titled and respected athletes.

delivering welcoming speeches by the IOC President (mandatory), the head or official representative of the state in which the Games are taking place, sometimes the mayor of the city or the Chairman of the Organizing Committee. The latter, at the end of the speech, must utter the words: “(serial number of games) Summer (Winter) Olympic Games I declare open.” After which, as a rule, a gun salvo and many volleys of fireworks and fireworks are fired.

raising the flag of Greece as the parent country of the Games with the performance of its national anthem.

Raising the flag of the host country of the Games and singing its national anthem.

uttered by one of the outstanding athletes of the country in which the Olympics are taking place, olympic oath on behalf of all participants in the games about fair competition in accordance with the rules and principles of sport and the Olympic spirit ( last years words are also certainly spoken about the non-use of prohibited drugs - doping);

the pronouncement by several judges on behalf of all judges of an oath of impartial judging;

raising the Olympic flag with the playing of the official Olympic anthem.

sometimes - raising the flag of Peace (a blue banner on which is depicted a white dove holding in its beak olive branch- two traditional symbols of Peace), symbolizing the tradition of stopping all armed conflicts during the Games.

crowns the opening ceremony with lighting olympic flame. The fire is lit by the sun's rays Olympia(Greece) in the Temple pagan greek god Apollo(in Ancient Greece Apollo considered the patron of the Games). "High Priestess" Hera says a prayer with the following content: “ Apollo, god of the sun and the idea of ​​​​light, send your rays and light the sacred torch for the hospitable city ... (name of the city)" . “The Olympic torch relay took place all over the world until 2007. Now, for the purposes of the anti-terrorism campaign, the torch is carried only in the country in which the games are taking place. From country to country, the torch is delivered by plane, and in each country an athlete or other figure from that country runs his part relay race to pass the flame on. The relay arouses great interest in all countries through which the path of the Olympic flame lies. Carrying the torch is considered a great honor. The first part of the relay passes through the cities of Greece. The last part through the cities of the host country of the Games. On the opening day of the Games, the torch is delivered to the host city. Athletes of this country deliver the torch to the central stadium at the very end of the ceremony. At the stadium, the torch is carried around the circle several times, passing from hand to hand, until it is given to the athlete who is entrusted with the right to light the Olympic flame. This right is the most honorable The fire is lit in a special bowl, the design of which is unique for each Olympics. Also, the organizers always try to come up with original and interesting way ignition. The bowl is located high above the stadium. The fire must burn throughout the Olympics and is extinguished at the end of the closing ceremony.

presentation to winners and runners-up of competitions medals on a special podium with a lift national flags and execution of national anthem in honor of the winners.

During the closing ceremony there is also a theatrical performance - farewell to the Olympics, the passage of participants, a speech by the IOC President and a representative of the host country. However, the closure of the Olympics is already announced by the IOC President. This is followed by the singing of the national anthem, the Olympic anthem, while the flags are lowered. A representative of the host country solemnly hands over the Olympic flag to the IOC President, who in turn hands it over to a representative of the Organizing Committee of the next Olympiad. This is followed by a short introduction to the next city hosting the Games. At the end of the ceremony, the Olympic flame slowly goes out to lyrical music.

WITH 1932 the host city is building " olympic village» - a complex of residential premises for game participants.

The organizers of the Games are developing the symbols of the Olympics: the official emblem and mascot of the Games. The emblem usually has a unique design, stylized according to the characteristics of the country. The emblem and mascot of the Games are an integral part of the souvenir products produced in large quantities on the eve of the Games. Revenue from sales of souvenirs can make up a significant part of the income from the Olympics, but they do not always cover expenses.

According to the charter, the Games are a competition between individual athletes and not between national teams. However, with 1908 the so-called unofficial team standings - determining the place occupied by teams based on the number of medals received and points scored in competitions (points are awarded for the first 6 places according to the system: 1st place - 7 points, 2nd - 5, 3rd - 4, 4 -e - 3, 5th - 2, 6th - 1).

Summer Olympic Games medalists in the team event

Winners of the Winter Olympic Games in the team event

Rank Olympic champion is the most honorable and desirable in a career athlete in those sports for which the Olympics are held tournaments. Cm. Olympic sports. The exceptions are football, baseball, etc. game types sports taking place in open areas, since either youth teams (football - up to 23 years old) take part in them, or because of the busy game schedule, not the strongest players come.

USSR participated in summer games beginning with 1952 Olympics V Helsinki, in winter - from 1956 Olympics V Cortina d'Ampezzo. After collapse of the USSR on 1992 Summer Olympics V Barcelona athletes of the countries CIS, including Russia, participated in a united team under a common flag, and starting from Winter Olympics 1994 V Lillehammer- in separate teams under their own flags.

A number of Games took place from Boycott the Olympics for political and other protest reasons. The boycott of the summer was especially widespread. 1980 Olympics V Moscow(from Western countries) and 1984 Olympics V Los Angeles(from the countries of the socialist camp).

amateur spirit

Coubertin originally wanted to make the Olympic Games amateur a competition in which there is no place for professionals who play sports for money. It was believed that those paid to play sports had an unfair advantage over those who practiced sports as hobby. They didn't even allow trainers and those who received cash prizes for participation. In particular, Jim Thorpe V 1913 was stripped of his medals - it was discovered that he played semi-professionally baseball.

After the war, with the professionalization of European sports and the emergence of state-subsidized Soviet “amateurs” on the international stage, the requirement for amateurism in most sports fell away. At the moment, the Olympic Games are amateur boxing(fights follow the rules of amateur boxing) and football(youth team competitions - all players except three must be under 23 years old).

Financing

The financing of the Olympic Games (as well as their direct organization) is carried out by the Organizing Committee created in the country where the games are held. The bulk of commercial income from the Games (primarily funds from the largest sponsors of the IOC marketing program and income from television broadcasts) goes to the International Olympic Committee. In turn, the IOC allocates half of these funds to the organizing committees, and uses half for its own needs and the development of the Olympic movement. The organizing committee also receives 95% of the proceeds from ticket sales. But the bulk of funding in recent decades has, as a rule, come from government sources, and the main costs are not for hosting games, but for developing infrastructure. Thus, the bulk of the costs of the Olympic Games in London in 2012 fell on the reconstruction of areas adjacent to the Olympic Park.