Table of Contents
Olympic Movement
In this Chapter Olympic Movement Part 2, we will learn about Modern Olympics, its award, oath, motto, Opening and Closing ceremony.
Olympic Movement Part 2
Modern Olympic Games Olympic Movement Part 2 |
| 1. The credit to start the modern Olympic Games goes to Pierre, Baron de Coubertin of France. Olympic Movement Part 2 |
| 2. Coubertin was born in Paris on 1 January 1862. |
| 3. It was Coubertin’s dream to restart the ancient Olympic Games at world level. |
| 4. For this purpose, he called a meeting of various countries in 1893. |
| 5. Some countries, viz., Italy, Greece, Spain and Sweden were in favour of commencing these games, whereas rest of the countries opposed it |
| 6. Again on 16 June 1894, a meeting of 13 countries was held in Paris in which 75 representatives participated. |
| 7. It was presided over by Coubertin and it was resolved that “Sports competitions should be held every fourth year on the lines of Greek Olympic Games and every nation should be invited to participate. |
| ” After much endeavour, Coubertin succeeded and the first modern Olympic Games were held in Athens in 1896 in which only nine countries participated”. |
Olympic Motto |
| 1. Olympic motto comprises three Latin words—Citius-Altius-Fortius which mean Faster-Higher-Stronger, respectively and coined by a French educator Father Didon in 1895 |
Olympic Flag |
| 1. Olympic flag was created in 1913 at the suggestion of Baron de Coubertin. |
| 2. It was first solemnly inaugurated in Paris in June 1914. |
| 3. But it was hoisted for the first time in the Olympic stadium at the Antwerp Olympic Games which were held in 1920. |
| 4. Olympic flag is made of white silk and contains five interlocking rings/circles in five colours representing five continents of the world, viz., America, Europe, Australia,Asia and Africa. |
| 5. The five rings have different colours: yellow, green, red, blue and black. |
| 6. Olympic flag interlocking of rings/circles symbolises cooperation and friendship. |
Olympic Flame
|
| 1. The Olympic flame is a symbol of knowledge, life and happiness. It also symbolises peace. |
| 2. This flame or torch is lighted or kindled in Olympic village of Greece and it is carried by the runners to the place where the Olympic Games are going to be organised. |
| 3. During this process it keeps burning. |
| 4. At the end of the closing ceremony of these games this flame is extinguished. |
Olympic Awards |
| 1. The first, second and third position holders are awarded with gold, silver and bronze medals and a certificate, respectively. |
| 2. The next five position holders are also awarded with certificates only. |
Rules for Competitors |
| 1. All males and females can participate in Olympic games if they are amateur. |
| 2. But nowadays, professionals are also allowed to participate in some of the sports. |
| 3. These sportspersons are sent by their National Olympic Committee. |
| 4. No sportsperson can participate in these games without the approval as well as recommendation of National Olympic Committee. |
Olympic Oath
|
| 1. During the opening of Olympic games, oath taking ceremony is held by the athletes who assemble in the sports stadium. |
| 2. A representative of the host country comes forward holding the flag. |
| 3. The flag bearers of the competing nations also take up their positions. |
| 4. The representative takes oath on the behalf of all the athletes who raise their right arm and repeat the oath after him/her:
“We swear that we will take part in the Olympic Games in loyal competition, respecting the regulations which govern them and desirous of participating in them in the true spirit of sportsmanship for the honour of our country and for the glory of sports.” |
Opening Ceremony of Olympic Games |
| 1. First of all, Olympic torch or flame is lit through sunrays in Olympic village (Greece) and it is brought to that city where the Olympic Games are going to be held. |
| 2. The president or prime minister declares the games open in the stadium. Before this process, all the sportspersons take part in the march past and they take oath. |
| 3. later on, recreational and cultural programmes are organised. Olympic flag is hoisted and Olympic flame of the stadium is kindled by the torch. |
Closing Ceremony of Olympic Games
|
| 1. sportspersons from all the countries assemble in the stadium for closing ceremony. |
| 2. the mayor of that city and the president of the managing committee escort the president of the International Olympic Committee to the stadium. He/She declares the games closed. |
| 3. after that, the Olympic flag is lowered and it is given to the mayor of the city. Various cultural programmes are organised. |
| 4. The Olympic flame is extinguished. At last the games come to an end with the Olympic song. |
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