History of the Olympic Games and their meaning - Research Paper Example

Olympic Games Introduction The Olympic Games have transformed into greatest sporting events. The origin of the Olympic Gamesis traced back in 776 BC. The game began at Olympia. The Greek calendar on which the game traces its roots was based on the Olympiad. This was the four-year interval between games. The venue of the game was the wooded valley of Olympia in Elis. In this place, the Greeks erected statues and built temples in a grove dedicated to Zeus who was greatest among the gods (Hellenic Information Society 1). The sanctuary was an ivory and gold statue of Zeus (Hellenic Information Society 1). Some scholars have argued that the game in 776BC was not the first one, but the first tournament was held four years later after a truce between Elis and Pisa (Hellenic Information Society 1). According to Hippias of Elis, the first Olympic event was a 200-yard dash, known as stadium (Hellenic Information Society 1). This remained the only event until 724 BC, when a stadia event was incorporated. After two years, the 24-stadia event was added. Later in 708BC, the pentathlon and wrestling became part of the event. The pentathlon consisted of many events that include wrestling, leaping, throwing, discuss, and hurling the javelin (Hellenic Information Society 1). The winner of the ancient games was rewarded with wreaths from a blessed olive tree that grew in the rear side of the temple of Zeus. The founder of the games known as Heracles planted this tree. The winner around the grove marched blowing a flute while the spectators chanted songs written by renowned poet. These games were held without interruption even during times of war. These games were held every four years. They lasted from 776 BC to 393 AD, when the ruler of the western empire Emperor Theodosius 1 abolished the competitions (Hellenic Information Society 1). He argued that the games had pagan influences. These early games lasted for 1170 years. During the ancient Olympic Games, there was a period of the sacred truce. This period was during the month of the Olympiad. This period called for cessation of all hostilities for safe movement of athletes to and from Olympia (Hellenic Information Society 1). The game served to unite the Greeks and amplified the Greeks sense of national unity. However, the game became international as the Greeks moved to other areas such as Syria and Egypt. They engaged in maintenance of their culture, and this was only possible through building athletic facilities and continuing their sporting traditions. This was also extended to the Roman Empire when roman citizenship was accorded to any person within the Roman Empire. This way the game had an international nature. This was also made possible when the Greek government reinstated the games in 1896. The modern Olympic Games are because of Baron Pierre de Coubertin. He started the successful campaign to revive the games in the 19th century. The first of the modern games began on Sunday, March 24, 1896, in Athens Greece (Hellenic Information Society 1). This was a summer Olympic Games. This was 1500 years later. He was also instrumental in the establishment of international Olympic committee. In the modern Olympic Games, athletes match skills and stamina in a series of contest best known as Olympic Games. Almost all the nations send teams of selected athletes to take part in competitions. The main ideal of the games is to promote friendship among nations. The winter Olympic Games were added in 1924. However, the games were cancelled in both World War I and II. The separation of the summer and winter Olympic Games was done in 1992. From this period, both of the events alternate after four years. There is also an Olympic flame. This acts as an important symbol of the games. This flame traverses those countries holding the Olympics few months before the official start. Runners with torches carry it. It is used to light a much bigger fire at the onset of the games and this last until the end of the competitions (British Council 1). Moreover, there is the Olympic flag. The flag of these games is white with five rings: Blue, yellow, black, green and red (British Council 1). These rings symbolize the union of the five continents. These continents include Africa, America, Asia, Oceania and Europe. This paper seeks to explore on how Olympic Games improve the relationship between countries. Olympic Game How to Improve the Relationships between All Countries The Olympic Games have improved significantly relationship between countries in myriad ways. Firstly, relationship between countries is improved as different athlete’s takes place in the event. This means that they are able to interact peacefully, exchange values, cultures and understand the different races of the world. All this happens in a peaceful way. This also helps to avoid some of the racial divide that exists when people from different countries interact. This is because the modern Olympic Games are free to all irrespective of the continent. Secondly, relationship between countries is improved at the opening of the games. For example, at the opening of the games, athletes enter into the stadium with their delegations. This happens with accolades from spectators from different countries of the world. There is also a release of a dove, which acts as a representation of peace. There is also the multitude of all athletes in the stadium that is a manifestation of friendship between individuals and nations of the world. This means the games provide a way of understanding other people by discovering a new culture (The Olympic Museum 6). This happens to both the participants and spectators. Moreover, on arrival in the host city, athletes live together in the Olympic village. This gives them a chance to meet competitors from other countries (The Olympic Museum 9). This form of life encourages contact between athletes from different countries. In addition, the hosting of the games in different continents has helped in improving the relationship between continents and countries. Now, the Olympic Games have been held on every continent except Africa (The Olympic Museum 13). However, one day, an African country will host the event, as was the case in the world cup. The relationship between countries in different continents is also improved in the flag. This is because each country feels as part of the events due to the five rings. Thirdly, relationship is improved through the televised function in different countries of the world. This is because the Olympic events are televised in different parts of the globe. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) gives permission to show the world that they exist. The appearance at the games has led to extensive international recognition of different countries. In addition, rival countries have been able to come together. For example, at the opening ceremony of the 2000 games in Sydney, both South and North Korea paraded together under a single flag (The Olympic Museum 15). This was not expected since the collapse of ties between the two countries after the Korean War. Furthermore, at the Sydney events the importance of the aborigines was uplifted as they covered the front-page news. Other events were organized to make their claims known. This way they were recognized and thus an improved relation between countries. Additionally, the main ideals of the Olympic Games have enhanced world peace and cooperation. Initially, those that revived the games meant it to be used as an international instrument for peacemaking and achieving world cooperation and agreement (Johnson 8). This meant that equality on the sport filed was to be translated as equality in the world. These ideals have ensured many warring countries come into a truce. This was the case in the Olympic Games when both South and North Korea came together after long decades of separation. These international relations are also improved with an increasing number of trips and varied interaction between people and different nations. This means that nations avoid confrontational means of expressing themselves and their political desires. The games also provide a safe place, where people make different values can compete fiercely on a playing field. Indeed, losers sincerely congratulate the winner once the completion is over, unlike other games. The games also offer a neutral meeting place where citizens can share commitment and pride without harming or oppressing others (Cryer 1). Even those nations or people divided by conflict are able unify for the sake of the game. All this provide an opportunity for good relations between countries. On the other hand, the Olympic Games have been used to further ideals and principles of countries. The games are used as an instrument of international publicity and to provide a good political image. This happens through political exploitation of the games. For example, in 1936, the regimes used the games to spread propaganda on the military and political strength’s of the Nazi regime (The Olympic Museum 14). Some of the athletes refused to attend. Other cases include the 1986 in Moscow where United States called for an international boycott (The Olympic Museum 14). Americans athletes never participated. This was retaliated by Soviet Union in 1984 as they refused to attend the games in Los Angeles. Conclusion The ideals of the Olympic Games appear to be peace and togetherness. They call for respect and equality between nations. This is one of the few events where competition takes place without war. The games bring us joy, laughter and happiness. In addition, through these games we are able to recognize different cities and cultures in the world. The games also provide an opportunity for a moment of peace between warring nations. Lastly, the games help in improving relation between countries. The Olympic Games will forever continue to unite countries and continents. Works Cited British Council. “History of the Olympic Games.” Britishcouncil.org. Web April 20, 2013. < http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/english-for-the-games/history/read/history-olympic-games>. Cryer, Town. “Olympics Promote World Peace and Unity.” Jenningsdailynews.net. Web April 20, 2013. < http://www.jenningsdailynews.net/2012/08/olympics-promote-world-peace-and-unity/>. Hellenic Information Society. “Brief History of the Olympic Games.” Nostos.com. Web April 20, 2013. . Johnson, Shaelyne. “Globalization and international relations: The Olympic Movement and European Integration.” Recercat.cat. Web April 20, 2013. < http://www.recercat.cat/bitstream/handle/2072/20333/WP117_eng.pdf?sequence=1>. The Olympic Museum. “The Modern Olympic Games.” Olympic.org. Web April 20, 2013. < http://www.olympic.org/Documents/Reports/EN/en_report_668.pdf>. Read More