Ancient Games Change Into Modern Olympics
International Competition Draws Athletes and Fans From Around the World
by Irie Jackson, age 9
The
Olympics have changed in many ways over its 200 year history. Today,
it is no longer a religious event. For example, women can now
compete. In ancient times, women used to be killed just for watching.
The
aim of the Olympic games is to promote peace, equality, and
friendship and to encourage athletes all around the world to do their
best. On the scoreboard at every Olympic game is the message: “The
most important thing in the Olympic games are not to win but to take
part.”
The
first Olympic games took place in Greece. These games only had one
event, a two hundred-meter race. Gradually, the Greeks added more
events, such as chariot racing in 680 B.C. The ancient games were
finally banned because the Romans took over Greece. Theodosius,
Emperor of Rome, eliminated all pagan festivals and the Olympics.
Today's
Olympic games have evolved into a world-wide attraction for athletes
and spectators across the globe. A parade of nations, led by Greece,
takes place at every opening ceremony. All the participating nations
take part in this ceremony.
The
modern Olympic games consist of two parts, summer and winter. Winter
sports include ice hockey, skiing, skating, and bobsled. The summer
games include boxing, volleyball, track and field, and water sports.
[source:
The Kingfisher Childeren's
Encyclopedia
]
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