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In this lesson we will be learning about the modern Olympics.

In 1894 Pierre de Coubertin, proposed a revival of the ancient Olympic games It was decided to hold the games in Athens, Greece in Greece won the most medals (47).

In Athens (1896) 241 Athletes came from 14 countries, and took part in 9 sports. In London (2012), 17,000 athletes will participate in 26 sports.

The Olympic motto is: ‘Citius, Altius, Fortius’ which means ‘Faster, Higher, Stronger.’

This is the Olympic creed: ‘The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well.’

The Olympics start when the flag of the host country is raised to the sound of their national anthem. The host nation then puts on a fantastic show involving hundreds of people in music, singing, dance, and drama, enhanced by spectacular special effects and lighting, representing its culture and history. Beijing 2008

After this comes the ’Parade of Nations’ - the procession of athletes which is always led by the Greek team, followed by all the other teams in alphabetical order, except for the last team which is always the team of the host country.

Next the Olympic flag is raised, as the Olympic hymn is played.

The rings on the Olympic flag represent Africa, the Americas, Asia, Australia and Europe. Every national flag in the world contains at least one of the flag's six colours.

The flag bearers of all countries then circle a rostrum, where one representative athlete and one judge speak the Olympic Oath, while holding a corner of the flag: ‘In the name of all competitors, I promise that we shall take part in these Olympic Games, respecting and abiding by the rules that govern them, in the true spirit of sportsmanship, for the glory of sport and the honour of our teams.’

The Olympic flame is lit, several months before the Olympics, at the ancient site of Olympia by women wearing ancient-style robes and using a curved mirror and the sun.. The Olympic Torch is then passed from runner to runner from the ancient site of Olympia to the Olympic stadium.

The last runner lights the large Olympic torch which burns throughout the games. The flame is extinguished during the closing ceremony. The flame represents purity and the quest for perfection.

Until 1992, doves were released as a symbol of peace after the torch was lit in the stadium. However, several doves were burned alive in the Olympic flame during the opening ceremony in Since then symbolic doves have been used.

At the modern Olympics, each first- place winner receives a gold medal, each second-place winner receives a silver medal, and each third-place winner receives a bronze medal. Different medals are designed for each new Olympics. Medals designed for London 2012

Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the Modern Olympic Movement saw the games as an ideal opportunity to develop a special set of values. These are: respect – fair play; knowing your own limits; taking care of one’s health and the environment excellence – how to give the best of oneself, in sport and in life; taking part; and achieving your own goals friendship – how sport can help us understand each other, despite our differences. We will look at these important values in other lessons soon.

Glossary Host – a country or person who invites guests Representative – a person who acts on behalf of others Purity – cleanliness, innocence Quest – search, hunt.

Activities to complete this lesson include : Rate this lesson here.here Click on the image above to view and/or download learning activities. Sportsmanship Drama activity Olympic Cities Drawing movement sequences.

Straw Bear (Strawboer) Day

Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling

Egremont Crab Fair

If you would like more FREE lessons on the Olympics visit the Go-Givers website ks-2/theme/olympics/ ks-2/theme/olympics/