Olympic Games

The Olympic Games are a major international multi-sport event featuring summer and winter sports competitions in which thousands of athletes from around the world participate in a variety of competitions. The games are held every four years, with the Summer and Winter Games alternating by occurring every four years but two years apart.

History of the Olympic Games

The ancient Olympic Games were a series of athletic competitions among representatives of city-states and one of the Panhellenic Games of ancient Greece. They were held in honor of Zeus, and the first recorded Olympic Games took place in 776 BCE in Olympia, Greece. The modern Olympic Games, inspired by the ancient Olympics, were first held in Athens, Greece, in 1896, and have since become the world's foremost sports competition.

Modern Olympics

The modern Olympic Games include the Summer Olympic Games, the Youth Olympic Games, and the Winter Olympic Games. The Summer Olympics feature a variety of sports such as athletics, swimming, gymnastics, and team sports like basketball and soccer. The Winter Olympics feature sports such as skiing, figure skating, ice hockey, and snowboarding.

Key Facts about the Olympics

• The five Olympic rings represent the five continents of the world.
• The Olympic motto is "Citius, Altius, Fortius" which is Latin for "Faster, Higher, Stronger."
• The Olympic flame is lit using the sun's rays in Olympia, Greece, before being carried to the host city of the Games.
• The winners of each event are awarded gold, silver, and bronze medals for first, second, and third place respectively.

Study Guide

To prepare for a study of the Olympic Games, you should focus on the following key areas:

1. History of the ancient Olympic Games and their significance in ancient Greece.
2. The revival of the modern Olympic Games in 1896 and the contributions of Pierre de Coubertin.
3. The different types of Olympic Games - Summer, Winter, and Youth Olympics.
4. The sports and events included in both the Summer and Winter Olympics.
5. The values and symbols associated with the Olympic Games.

By understanding these key areas, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the Olympic Games and their significance in the world of sports and global culture.

[Olympic Games] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

• Ancient GreeceSocial Studies • Sixth Grade
• Contributions of Ancient CivilizationsSocial Studies • Third Grade