Introduction
“Olympism is not a system, it is a state of mind it can permeate a wide variety of modes of expression and no single race of error can claim to have the Monopoly of it.”
Olympism aims at showing how sports can make us all better citizers through the combination of Mind, body and spirit. It’s goal is to help faster better relationship between communities and Nations, helping us to live in harmony with each other. Olympism tells us that sports is a Universal human right and we all should be free to practice it.
THE ANCIENT OLYMPICS
Evidences of structured organisation of games and sports in the world are found in Greece where the games were played to prepare for the war or to please God. The ancient Olympic games came into existence in 776 BC in the city of Olympia in Greece. The games were held in the honour of Zeus a greek God for whom the people made a magnificent Temple and started the tradition of offering sacrifices. Later on, Hercules the son of Zeus, started this games and sports competition in The honour of his father. The Olympic games were considered the biggest religious festival in Greece. The month in which the Olympic games were played was considered a holy month during which any kind of War was stopped and all the people use to gather at a place and participate in the games. This games were held every 4 year.
Initially, ancient Olympic Games consisted of races of 100, 200 and 400 yards, wrestling, chariot racing, boxing, javelin throwing etc. the winners were Crown with an Olive wreath made from a sacred tree near the temple of Zeus at Olympia.
RULES OF ANCIENT OLYMPICS
During 776 BC, certain rules were framed for competitors which were engraved on the bronze plate. these rules are given below:
☆ The competitors must only be Greek physically fit and must not be a criminal or slave.
☆ Players had to stay in Olympia for a month before the beginning of the games and had to practice the game during this time.
☆ Women were not allowed to participate in Ancient Olympics.
☆ Professionalswere not allowed.
THE OPENING CEREMONY
In the opening ceremony, all the players with their family and trainers used to gather in the stadium. Then the oath was taken by the players that they would participate in the games as per the rules and that they had trained for ten months.
Afterwards a pig was sacrificed and offer to god Zeus. After the completion of the ritual, one by one, all the players used to come out of the sports arena. Then the players were introduced to spectators, if any spectator had any objection with the player they were not allowed to participate. Then the declaration was made to start the games.
AWARDS GOR WINNING
In the ancient Olympic games less attention was paid to awards. Only food grains and animals were given as the reward. After that, a Crown made of olive leaves was given to the winners. More emphasis was given to respect and honour instead of awards, statues of the winners were made, poems were composed and their names were recorded in the annals of history.
Players used to participate in the games for respect and Honour and not for the sake of awards.
MODERN OLYMPICS
The revival of modern Olympics was done by Baron Pierre de coubertin. He was born in 1862 in an Italian family and was settled in France. He believed that Olympics would give a common platform for the nations to meet and get unified. For which he called a meeting of various countries in 1893. Countries like Italy,Spain and Sweden were in favour of Olympics and some were not.
In another conference which was held in 16 June 1894 wherein the motion of helding Olympic games every four years was passed.
With his efforts the first modern Olympics were held in 1896 Athens, Greece. Only 9 countries participated in it. Women participated in the games for the first time in 1900 Paris games in the event of lawn tennis.
RULES OF MODERN OLYMPICS
The rules for modern Olympics are given below:
Earlier, only amateur men and female used to participate in the games but now professionals can also participate in the games. Secondly, no one can participate without the approval of National Olympic Committee.
OPENING CEREMONY
When the games starts the Olympic torch is lit up through the rays of sun in the Olympia village of Greece and brought via a relay of athletes to the city where games are to be held. The prime minister or the president of the host country declares the games open in the stadium. Before this the sportspersons take part in march past and take Olympic oath. The Olympic flag is hoisted and the Olympic flame of the stadium is kindled by the torch. The flame remains lit throughout the games till the closing ceremony.
OBJECTIVES OF OLYMPICS
The objectives of Olympics are as follows:
•To develop physical education and healthy sports competition among people.
•To develop moral values, strong personality etc.
•To promote sports ethics and fair play in competition.
•To promote physical activities and sports among youth.
•To end discrimination on the basis of race, caste or gender.
•To bring rich and poor nations on same platform and thereby promote cooperation.
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