olympic games now_and_then

Long ago a great athletics festival was held at Olympia in Greece. Every 4 years men came from all over Greece to take part.

The Olympics take place every 4 years, each time in a different country. Men and women from all over the world take part.

From 7 days before the games until 7 days after they ended, all fighting stopped. Even when a battle had been long and fierce, soldiers put down their weapons.

The Olympic Games don’t stop wars, but they encourage peace and friendship.

Women were not allowed to compete in the games, and only priestesses were allowed to watch them.

Women athletes take part in all sports.

Athletes had to swear that they had been training for 10 months.

Athletes train for years to be ready for the Games.

A flame was lit by the sun and kept burning until the end of the Games.

A flame is lit by the sun and kept burning until the end of the Games.

Athletes in the first Olympic Games didn’t wear any clothes.

Athletes wear a special uniform to represent their country.

When the Olympic Games first started there was only one event.

The men had to sprint along the stadium.

Later they took part in discus, javelin, jumping, running and wrestling events,

… as well as boxing and chariot racing.

Athletes take part in 26 sports in the Olympic Games.

Some events were very rough, because there were hardly any rules.

Athletes must obey very strict rules.

At the ancient Olympics a wreath of olive branches was placed on the winner's head.

Athletes win medals.

Rebecca Adlington

After the games, the athletes cleaned themselves by rubbing oils over their bodies.They scraped off the oil, sweat and dirt with a metal tool.

Athletes take showers after competing.

Special coins were made to celebrate each Games.

Special mascots are designed to help us remember each

Games.

If you would like more FREE lessons on the Olympics visit the Go-Givers website http://www.gogivers.org/teachers/lessons/ks-1/theme/olympics/