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Table of Contents

Cover Story

Grades 5-6

Turin 2006: The Games, Ancient and Modern

The first Olympic Games were held in Olympia, Greece, around 776 B.C. Only men were allowed to compete. Events included boxing, wrestling and chariot racing. No medals were awarded. Instead, winners received a crown of olive leaves. The Games went on for more than 1,000 years, but were cancelled in 393 A.D.

In 1894, French educator Pierre de Coubertin proposed a revival of the ancient Games. He believed that a modern Olympics with competitors from around the world would promote peace and understanding between nations. That year, Coubertin formed the International Olympic Committee to help bring back the Games.

The modern Olympics premiered in Athens, Greece, in 1896. Only summer events were included. Figure skating was part of the Summer Olympics in 1908. The sport later became part of the Winter Games, which started in Chamonix, France, in 1924.

The spirit of the ancient Olympics is still alive today. The Games are a source of national pride and peaceful competition for countries all over the world.

Next: Leading the Way