Answer:
Introduction:
The Olympic Games are an excellent event for bringing unity among the various nations with the representatives that they send that participate together.
The Olympic Games consist of sports events that are held every four years in different host countries. They began in the 1890s and are overseen by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Ancient and Modern Games
The Games began in Ancient Greece in 776 BC. The games were of religious and political significance as they symbolized a truce between city-states that participated. Even then, the games were held every four years.In 1896, the games were begun again by Pierre de Coubertin. The objective of his doing so was to increase international brotherhood and harmony through a universal love for sports.
The games are held in different nations every four years. This does have a major socio-economic impact on the country that is not always positive. This has been an issue that has been brought up before the IOC. The games are considered to be of the highest honor by all the nations that participate. The Games are divided into the Summer and Winter Olympic Games. The former, as the name suggests, takes place during the summer and the latter in mid-February.
Even the Olympic symbol of the five interlinked rings speaks of unity between the continents. The Olympic flame is symbolic of the link between the ancient games and the modern ones. The flames that are lit on the first day of the Games remain so until the last day. The athletes also take an oath of good sportsmanship and to respect the rules of the Games. There are about 38 games in the Olympics so far.
Laurel wreaths were lauded to the Olympic heroes in ancient times. Today it is medals of Gold, Silver, and Bronze for first, second, and third place, respectively. The national anthem is played during the ceremony of the representative’s nation that won first place. However, it is important to note that it was only in 1904 that the medal for the first prize was Gold. In 1896 it was silver first and gold second as the latter’s value was considered lesser than the former.
Political Impact
The Games also have a political impact, as seen by the boycott during the Cold War, and also the participation of the United States of America and the Soviet Union together that took place sometime after. The boycotting of nations makes a significant political statement.
Inclusion
The addition of the Paralympic Games, the Youth Olympic Games, the five Continental Games, Deaflympics, the Special Olympics, and the World Games shows inclusivity. Especially for the disabled community, who can now also participate without being shunned by the able-bodied community. The World Games includes those sports that are not included in the Winter and Summer Olympics.
Global Community
There is a sense of brotherhood and oneness that takes place during the Games. There are local, national, and even international communities that are formed, albeit temporarily, during the Games. There is a sense of nationalism and patriotism that brings people together. There is also a sense of camaraderie that is formed by the love for a sport. Even those who are not sportsmen come together to watch the Games with a sense of pride for those who participate.
There is great love and respect that is held for athletes who come home with medals by the national and the international community.
Olympic Village
The International Olympic Committee makes special arrangements for the games, the stay, and the commute of the athletes who are participating in the Games. The area in which the athletes stay is called the Olympic Village. The IOC makes sure that the host country has made proper arrangements for all that live there. The committee takes care of their stay, safety, living space, training grounds, transport, commute, etc.
Black Day for Olympics
The Black Day of the Olympic Games is 5th September 1972. The Games were held in Munich, Germany. Unfortunately, terrorists took advantage of the large gathering of people, and several athletes were killed that day.
Conclusion on Olympics Essay
The Olympic Games are an excellent event for bringing unity among the various nations with the representatives that they send that participate together. The Games promote unity and brotherhood, something that is important in this political climate. The Games are also beneficial for sportsmen and sportswomen that are acknowledged for their hard work and ability that is displayed in the Games. There is also a sense of national pride for those that go home with medals. They receive many accolades and awards from their home countries as well.
The French Baron Pierre de Coubertin, who began the Games, would be proud to see that his heart and objective behind reviving the Games lives on even after so many years. The same sense of brotherhood that he desired is seen evidently today
