The largest international sports events, held every four years, are called the Olympic Games. The tradition of holding games originated in ancient Greece. The modern Olympic Summer Games began in 1896, and the Winter Games in 1924.
Instructions
Step 1
In the years 1766-1770, archaeological excavations were carried out in Olympia, as a result of which temple and sports facilities were discovered. In 1875 German specialists continued the research. Europeans were seized by the desire to revive the Olympic culture. The French Baron Pierre de Coubertin was especially puzzled by this thought. He wanted to improve the physical culture of the French with the help of games, overcome Nazism, achieve peace and international understanding. He urged people to measure their strength in sports competitions, and not on the battlefields.
Step 2
Pierre de Coubertin presented his ideas and thoughts to the international public in 1894 at a congress held at the University of Paris at the Sorbonne. And on the last day, the congressmen decided that the modern Olympic Games will be held in 1896 in the country that was the ancestor of the Games - Greece, in Athens. The International Olympic Committee was founded to organize and conduct the games. The Greek Demetrius Vikelas became the president of the committee, and Baron Pierre de Coubertin became the general secretary.
Step 3
The first games of 1896 were a great success. 241 athletes from 14 countries took part. Greek officials have put forward a proposal that the Olympic Games should always be held on their soil. However, the IOC introduced a rule that the games changed their venue every 4 years. The next Olympic Games were held in Paris. For the first time, women and athletes from the Russian Empire took part here. In 1904, the games were held in St. Louis, USA. Only American athletes participated there, because it was technically difficult for Europeans to get to another mainland. Interest in games began to fade. The extraordinary Olympic Games of 1906 in Athens saved the situation.
Step 4
The Winter Olympic Games began to be held in 1924. The games before 1992 were organized in the same years as the summer ones. Since 1994, the IOC has decided to hold the Winter Games with a two-year shift relative to the Summer Games. The first Olympiad was held in Chamonix, France.
Step 5
In 1916, 1940 and 1944, the Olympic Games were not held due to the world wars. A total of 21 states received the right to host the competition. In the same places, two weeks later, the Paralympic Games for athletes with disabilities are held. At the Summer Olympics in Helsinki in 1952, the USSR team took part for the first time, and four years later it made its debut in the Winter Games. The title of Olympic champion is considered desirable and honorable in the career of every athlete.
