The Olympic Games - Essay Example

English 101 The Olympic Games Tracing their roots all the way back to Ancient Greece, the Olympic Games have become oneof the most renowned competitions in the world. The games started over 2000 years ago, bringing locals and regional countries into competition grounds (Young 84). Today, Olympic Games are a worldwide event, encompassing not only competition by participants, but also commercial events by local and international individuals, firms, corporates and governments. These games have taken diverse and dynamic positions throughout the years, to become an internationally anticipated event after every four years.

The history behind Olympic Games is rich and fundamental to account for. The origin of these games is traced to a humble beginning in Greece. They were a crucial undertaking in the country, with the Greek people developing historical events dating method using periods between the Olympic Games. Participants in the games then were treated with respect, and winners marked as heroes and heroines in Greece and the countries around. Olive wreath was at the time used to reward Olympic winners. However, over the years, the rewarding, games and sports involved have changed to match cultural, social, economic and political dynamism.

Use of symbols to associate with the Olympics has been a living phenomenon since the year 1913. This is the year that the Olympic rings were introduced by Baron Pierre de Coubertin (Toohey & Veal 26). Five rings are used to represent five continents, with Antarctica excluded and North America and South America joined, since there are seven continents in the world (Toohey & Veal 41). An Olympic flag is also flown every time the games are being held. An Olympic torch is another symbol associated with the Olympic Games.

The torch tours various sites and cities before it gets to the city hosting the games. The torch’s flame is used to symbolize unity among Olympic participants, cities and states involved.Participants, cities and states involved in the games have significantly increased since the games became an international event. On the same note, the games and sports that participants engage in have kept changing, integrating those that had not initially been part of the Olympic Games. Winner rewarding schemes have also been dynamic, necessitated by contemporary gaming and sporting trends.

The future of Olympic Games is promising, and is regarded as one that will unify the international people in more than just games and sports.The 2012 Olympic games will be held in London in the month of July. The games are expected to bring together over 200 nations, with locals and internationals competing in their relevant games and sports. Vibrant activities to prepare for the games have been ongoing, the recent development being the Olympic torch tour around sites and cities in the world, and currently in the United Kingdom.

London now enters into the ever growing enriched history of the Olympics. Diversity and dynamism in the local and international arena will converge to showcase the best of talents around the world.Works CitedToohey, Kristine & Veal, Anthony. The Olympic Games: A Social Science Perspective. Michigan: CABI, 2007. Print.Young, David. A Brief History of the Olympic Games. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 2004. Print.