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I understand and can use vocabulary, terms and definitions relevant to the Olympic Games.

I have an understanding of Olympic history, including important people, athletic performances and events.

I can give examples of how the Olympic Games have been a platform used for political statements.

I can research and collect information on a historical event and present the information in a live spoken presentation.

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The modern Olympic Games or Olympics are the leading international sporting events featuring summer and winter sports competitions in which thousands of athletes from around the world participate in a variety of competitions. The Olympic Games are considered the world's foremost sports competition with more than 200 teams, representing sovereign states and territories, participating. By default, the Games generally substitute for any world championships during the year in which they take place (however, each class usually maintains its own records). The Olympic Games are held every four years. Since 1994, they have alternated between the Summer and Winter Olympics every two years during the four-year Olympiad.

The evolution of the Olympic Movement during the 20th and 21st centuries has resulted in numerous changes to the Olympic Games.

The growing importance of mass media has created the issue of corporate sponsorship and general commercialisation of the Games. World Wars I and II led to the cancellation of the 1916, 1940, and 1944 Olympics; large-scale boycotts during the Cold War limited participation in the 1980 and 1984 Olympics; and the 2020 Olympics were postponed until 2021 as a result of the COVID-19 restrictions.

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Visit the article, answer these following questions using the link.

Who founded the earliest Olympic games? And when?

What is “chariot racing”? describe it in 2 sentences and 2 pictures.

Who revived the “Modern Olympic Games”?

Write a short text about him with all the facts you can find on the internet. 50 words.

What does the Olympic symbol mean? What does the five rings mean?

Which Games have been held closest to Denmark?

How many important events can you count on the list? Which one do you find more important than other?

Which year where women allowed in every sport?

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Download FREE teacher-made resources covering 'the Olympic Games'

What Are the Olympic Games?

Are you interested in learning about the the Olympics? You've come to the right place! The Olympics is a world-renowned international sporting event that takes place every four years. It's a massive spectacle, with over 200 nations participating. Thousands of top athletes from all around the globe gather in a host country to compete in their chosen sports. Their main goal? To prove they're the best and bring home medals-bronze, silver, or gold-for their countries.

But the Olympics are more than just a competition. They're a celebration of athletic excellence and international camaraderie. The journeys of these athletes are filled with intense training, personal sacrifices, and unwavering dedication. The games showcase not just physical prowess, but also the spirit of unity and respect among different cultures.

The Olympics also have a broader impact. They promote peace and understanding between nations, highlighting shared values like fair play, perseverance, and respect. Watching these games can be incredibly inspiring, motivating people of all ages to engage in sports and lead healthier, more active lives.

Stay with us to learn more about these exciting games, from fun Olympic facts for kids to stories about famous U.S. Olympians!

When Do the Olympics Take Place?

The Olympics happen every four years, but they alternate between the Summer and Winter Games every two years. This schedule keeps the excitement alive and gives athletes a chance to specialize in their sports.

The Summer Olympics feature a wide variety of events like athletics, swimming, gymnastics, and basketball, drawing massive global audiences. On the other hand, the Winter Olympics focus on sports that require cold weather, such as skiing, ice hockey, and figure skating. Alternating between the Summer and Winter Games keeps the Olympic spirit alive throughout the four-year cycle.

From 1924 to 1992, both the Summer and Winter Olympics were held in the same year. But to allow better focus and preparation for each event, they were separated into different years. This change also helps maintain public interest and media coverage.

A notable exception to the schedule was the 2020 Tokyo Games, which were postponed to 2021 due to global health concerns. This delay showcased the resilience and adaptability of the Olympic community, prioritizing safety and well-being.

10 Fun Olympic History Facts for Kids

1. The first modern Olympic Games were held in Athens, Greece, in 1896. This was to honor the games' origins in ancient Greece, where the Olympics started nearly 3,000 years ago!

2. Gold medals are mostly made of silver. They contain only about 6 grams of gold, which is just enough to meet the standards.

3. Only five countries have competed in every Summer Olympics since they began in 1896: Greece, Great Britain, France, Switzerland, and Australia.

4. The original ancient Olympics could last up to six months. They were held every four years, just like today.

5. Did you know that figure skating was once part of the Summer Olympics? It was later moved to the Winter Olympics, where it belongs.

6. London is the only city to have hosted the Summer Olympics three times: in 1908, 1948, and 2012.

7. The Olympics have been canceled three times due to war-during World War I (1916) and World War II (1940 and 1944).

8. The torch relay, where the Olympic flame is carried from Greece to the host country, started in 1936. It's now a beloved tradition that kicks off the games.

9. The 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, were the first ever to be held in South America. It was a historic event for the continent!

10. Skateboarding made its Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games. How cool is that? This new addition brought a fresh, exciting vibe to the Olympics.

What Are the Olympic Games' Modern Origins?

The modern Olympics were the brainchild of Pierre de Coubertin, a passionate French educator and historian. Inspired by the ancient Olympic Games held in Olympia, Greece, Coubertin saw the potential for sports to foster international peace and friendship. He believed that athletic competition could bridge cultural divides and promote mutual respect.

In 1894, Coubertin presented his ambitious idea at a conference on international sports in Paris. His proposal to revive the Olympic Games was met with enthusiasm and support, leading to the establishment of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Coubertin wanted the Olympics to encourage physical fitness, celebrate athletic achievement, and unite people worldwide in the spirit of fair play and sportsmanship.

The first modern Olympic Games were held in Athens, Greece, in 1896. Thirteen nations participated, laying the foundation for what would become the most celebrated sporting event globally. Coubertin's legacy lives on as the Olympics continue to champion unity, excellence, and international cooperation.

Who Organizes the Games?

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is the organization that promotes and organizes the Olympic Games. Founded by Pierre de Coubertin in 1894, the IOC is crucial in ensuring the games run smoothly and uphold the Olympic values. They manage everything from selecting the host country to overseeing the event's execution, setting the rules, and ensuring adherence to the Olympic Charter.

The IOC's role extends beyond just the event itself. They work tirelessly to promote the core values of the Olympics: excellence, friendship, and respect. This involves implementing policies to ensure fair play, combat doping, and promote gender equality and inclusivity in sports.

Once the IOC selects a host country, the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of that country takes over the detailed planning and execution. The NOC handles everything from preparing sports facilities to arranging accommodations and organizing the opening and closing ceremonies. They also manage logistics, security, and marketing to ensure the games run smoothly and safely.

The host country also gets the unique opportunity to design the medals awarded to athletes, adding a cultural touch to the event. The IOC works closely with international sports federations to ensure that competitions are fair and uphold global standards, maintaining the high integrity of the Olympics.

The IOC also initiates various programs to promote sports development, education, and peace. Through initiatives like the Olympic Solidarity program, they provide support to athletes and National Olympic Committees worldwide, making sports accessible to all, regardless of economic or geographic barriers.

Why Are the Olympic Games Important?

The Olympics are a big deal! They bring together athletes from all over the globe to compete at the highest level in their sports. Some of these athletes are major stars in their home countries, while others become famous worldwide through their Olympic performances. The games are an amazing platform to showcase the best of the best, inspiring people and promoting unity through sports.

Winning an Olympic medal is a great achievement. It represents years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. The Olympics don't just inspire the athletes; they inspire all of us watching at home too, encouraging everyone to get involved in sports and aim high.

What Are the Olympic Games: History

Origins: Ancient Greece

The modern Olympics trace their origins back to 776 B.C. in Ancient Greece. Initially part of a religious festival honoring , the king of the gods, people from various Greek city-states traveled to Olympia to compete and spectate. The games were so important that a sacred truce was declared, ensuring safe travel and peaceful competition.

In those times, only men, boys, and unmarried girls could attend the Olympics. Married women had their separate festival called the Heraia, held every four years at Olympia.

The Revival of the Games

The ancient Olympics were banned in 393 A.D. by Roman Emperor Theodosius I, who saw them as a pagan practice. The modern Olympics were revived almost 1500 years later, with the first games held in Athens, Greece, in 1896. Thirteen nations participated, with all competitors being men. Women were first allowed to compete in the Olympics after 1900.

Over time, the Olympics grew in popularity, leading to the establishment of separate Summer and Winter Games, which alternate every two years.

What Are the Olympic Games in the 21st Century?

In recent years, the Olympics have seen numerous records broken by legendary athletes like Usain Bolt and Michael Phelps. The games continue to evolve, showcasing the highest levels of athletic achievement and bringing together nations in the spirit of friendly competition.

What Are the Olympic Games Previous Host Countries?

Since the turn of the 21st century, six countries have hosted the Summer and Winter Olympics:

Summer Olympics Host Countries:

Winter Olympics Host Countries:

Modern Olympic Games - Sports

The Summer and Winter Olympics feature over 400 events, offering a diverse range of sports for audiences to enjoy and for children to learn about.

Activities in the Summer Olympics include:

Swimming: Swimming features races in a pool where athletes compete in different strokes like freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly.

Canoe Slalom: In Canoe Slalom, athletes navigate a canoe or kayak through a course of gates on a fast-moving river, testing their skill and speed.

Athletics (Track and Field): Athletics includes exciting events like running, jumping, and throwing, where athletes showcase their speed, strength, and agility on the track and field.

Race Walking: Race Walking is a unique sport where competitors walk as fast as they can while keeping one foot on the ground at all times.

Gymnastics: Gymnastics includes events like floor routines, balance beams, and parallel bars, where athletes perform incredible flips and twists with grace and precision.

Trampoline Gymnastics: Trampoline Gymnastics is where athletes bounce high on a trampoline, performing amazing aerial tricks and flips.

Basketball: Basketball was first introduced to the Olympics in 1936 in Berlin, where the games were played outdoors on a dirt court!

Handball: Handball is a dynamic game where teams pass a ball using their hands and try to throw it into the opposing team's goal.

Soccer: Soccer, also known as football, has been part of the Olympic Games since 1900, and it was the first team sport to be included in the Olympics.

Modern Pentathlon: Modern Pentathlon is an all-around event where athletes compete in fencing, swimming, horse riding, running, and shooting all in one day! Phew!

This isn't a complete list as the Olympics feature 329 events and 32 sports. The lineup varies by year and season, with new sports being added and others sometimes being removed.

At the Winter Olympics, you'll see:

Skiing (Alpine and Freestyle): Skiing includes racing down snowy slopes at high speeds and performing tricks and jumps on challenging courses.

Nordic Combined: Nordic Combined blends ski jumping and cross-country skiing, testing athletes' skills in both jumping and endurance.

Biathlon: Biathlon combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting, challenging athletes' stamina and precision.

Skeleton: Skeleton is a daring sport where athletes race headfirst down an icy track on a small sled.

Luge: Luge is a fast-paced sport where athletes lie on their backs on a small sled and race down an icy track.

Snowboarding: Snowboarding was first included in the Winter Olympics in 1998 in Nagano, Japan, and one of its events, the halfpipe, quickly became a fan favorite for its thrilling aerial tricks and spins.

Ice Hockey: Ice hockey made its Olympic debut in the 1920 Summer Olympics in Antwerp, Belgium, before becoming a permanent fixture in the Winter Olympics starting in 1924.

Bandy: Bandy is a fun sport similar to ice hockey, but played with a ball and larger teams on a bigger ice field.

Curling: Curling is a strategic sport where teams slide stones on ice towards a target, using brooms to control the stone's path.

Figure Skating: Figure Skating is a graceful sport where skaters perform spins, jumps, and dance routines on ice.

There are currently 15 official sports with over 100 events in the Winter Olympics, many requiring cold weather conditions, limiting the countries that can host these games.

What Are the Olympic Games Symbols?

The Olympic Flag

The Olympic flag features five interlocking rings, each a different color: blue, yellow, black, green, and red. What do the 5 rings of the Olympics mean? These rings symbolize the unity of the five inhabited continents under one banner for this grand sporting event.

The Olympic Torch

The Olympic torch tradition started in 1936. It begins with a torch-lighting ceremony in Olympia, Greece, and is then carried to the host country in a relay. On the first day of the Olympics, the torch lights a cauldron in the stadium, signifying the start of the games.

Olive Leaf Crown

In Ancient Greece, winners received an olive wreath as a crown. This tradition can inspire modern crafts and activities, like making your own olive leaf crown.

History of the Olympics in the USA

Which US cities have hosted the Summer Olympics?

Which US cities have hosted the Winter Olympics?

Lake Placid, New York (1932 and 1980)

Squaw Valley, California (1960)

Salt Lake City, Utah (2002)

Famous US Olympians:

Michael Phelps: The most decorated Olympian, with 28 medals (23 gold) in competitive swimming.

Jesse Owens: A track and field athlete who set three world records at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

Carl Lewis: A track and field athlete who won gold medals in four consecutive Olympics.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee: Known for her achievements in the heptathlon and long jump, winning six Olympic medals.

Simone Biles: The most successful U.S. gymnast of all time with 7 Olympic medals (gold).

Summer Olympics 2024

Who Will Host the 2024 Summer Olympics?

The 2024 Summer Olympics will take place in Paris, France, from July 26th to August 24th, 2024, continuing the tradition despite the previous delay of the Tokyo 2020 Games.

Twinkl Resources About the History of the Olympics

We offer a wide range of teaching materials on the Olympics! Here are three popular resources:

This Summer Olympics Digital Scavenger Hunt is perfect for at-home learning during summer vacation. Kids can check off sports they see while watching the Olympics using clickable boxes. It can also be printed for family use.

Incorporate fitness and physical well-being into your lessons with these Backyard Olympics Gross Motor Activity Cards. Host a "Backyard Olympics" with simple instructions for kids to follow. Use medal cut-outs for fun prizes.

Encourage creativity with this "If I Were an Olympic Athlete" Writing Activity. Children can imagine themselves as Olympic athletes, thinking about their training and chosen sport. It might inspire the next generation of Olympians!

Video Resources From Twinkl

At Twinkl, we offer a wide array of teaching materials to suit your needs. Visit our YouTube channel for an extensive selection of educational videos on various children's topics. For more about the Olympics, our "Summer Olympics for Kids" teaching video is a fantastic resource:

Go for Gold with Twinkl!

We hope this wiki helped you answer the question, "What are the Olympic Games?" for your students. Be sure to create a Twinkl account today to access more engaging resources that will inspire your learners to aim for gold in their learning.

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What Are the Olympic Games? | Facts for Kids | Twinkl USA

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What are the Olympic Games? The Olympics is a famous international sporting event that takes place every four years, with over 200 nations participating!

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Discussion

Until 2021, the Olympic motto was “Faster, Higher, Stronger” from the Latin “Citius, Altius, Fortius”. In 2021, the motto was changed – or rather extended – by one word:

“– Together”.

Click here to see the social media post about the new logo:

The Olympic Games på X: "We move forward when we move together. Introducing the new Olympic motto: Faster, Higher, Stronger - Together. #StrongerTogether https://t.co/r87Ce99S4k" / X

Exchange viewpoints on why you think the Olympic committee decided to add this one word, “– Together”.

How does the word “together” make you feel?

Does the word “together” have a positive or negative ring to it?

What other thoughts come to mind?

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Watch the video about the Olympic torch.

Countdown to 2024 Paris Olympics: Greece lights flame in Olympia • FRANCE 24 English (youtube.com)

Watch the video about the Olympics.

The Incredible History of the Olympic Games - English Edition (olympics.com)

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Choose one of the following topics:

1. The first Olympic Games

2. Activities at the Ancient Olympic Games

3. The first Modern Olympic Games

4. Gender at the Olympics

5. The Olympic opening ceremony

6. The Olympic rings/flag and what they symbolize

7. The Olympic Winter Games (1924)

8. The Olympic host city (1924)

9. The Olympic medal ceremony (1932)

10. The Olympic torch relay (1936)

11. The Olympic live broadcast (1936)

12. The Paralympics (1948)

13. The first Asian host city, Tokyo, and pictograms (1964)

14. The Gay Games (1982)

15. The Youth Olympic Games (2010)

16. IOC Olympic Refugee Team (2016)

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Write an article about the chosen topic.

Link to “how to write an article” Structure of a Newspaper Article - Ms. Plank: Grade 7/8 (weebly.com)

and

Make a Classroom Newspaper: EnchantedLearning.com

or you may use

Skrivehjulet - Indidansk

The article should be at least one whole A4 page with font size 12.

The article may be used for your test later in your FGU time. So write the article, and save it in your English folder in OneDrive.