The Olympic Games Flashcards
Briefly describe the ‘Ancient Olympics’
The Ancient Olympics were festivals combining sport, religion and music that took place throughout the Mediterranean region, particularly Greece, before the birth of Christ
What are the Cotswold Olympics?
Robert Dover founded the Cotswold Olympic Games in the early 1600s. He was inspired by the Ancient Olympics whilst at Cambridge University. The games were stopped in 1852 due to rowdiness and dangerous activities. However, the were revived in 1980 and are celebrated each June in Chipping Campden.
Analyse the role of William Penny Brookes in the birth of the modern Olympics
He was a doctor who devoted his life to the Shropshire town of Much Wenlock. In 1850 he founded the Wenlock Olympian Games to ‘promote moral, physical and intellectual improvements of the town. His broader plan was to establish an international sporting festival.
Who was Baron Pierre de Coubertin?
He was an influential young Frenchman who had a vision of using sport to educate young people and bring countries together. He attended the Wenlock Olympics in 1890 and was inspired. He then channeled his energies into establishing the modern games.
When and where were the first Modern Olympic Games hosted?
The first Modern Olympic Games were held in Athens, Greece, in 1896. There were 211 male athletes from 14 countries competing in 43 different events.
What is the Olympic Charter?
The ‘rule book’ that governs how the Olympic Games are run.
Describe the aims and philosophy of the Olympic Games
The Olympic Games promotes;
Balance between body, mind and will
Effort - for the joy it can bring
Role Modelling - to educate and inspire others
Tolerance, generosity, unity, friendship, non-discrimination and respect for others.
Who are the IOC and what do they do?
The IOC are the International Olympic Committee. They are funded by TV and marketing and are a non-profit organisation. There main roles are to supervise the organisation of both Summer and Winter Olympics. They will decide upon host cities, sports included, changes to the charter, manage commercialism etc.
Who are the BOA and what do they do?
The BOA are the British Olympic Association. They are responsible for the UK’s participation in the Olympic Games. It is the pivot around which Team GB revolves, selected coaches, squads, training facilities etc.
Describe how the Olympics became commercialised
Host cities, such as Montreal in Canada (1976) lost millions and almost went bankrupt as a rest of hosing the Games. Peter Uberroth was appointed to make the the 1984 Los Angeles Games both possible and practical. This lead to a crucial turning point in the marketing and sponsorship of the Games. This happened at a time when TV was building a huge global audience.
Identify the possible benefits of hosting the Olympic Games for SPORT
Increased funding to all sport
Improved facilites, including training camps
Higher profile for sport in the UK
Increased participation at the base of the sports pyramid
Improved administration and organisation of sport in the UK
A legacy of world class facilities for London
Identify the possible benefits of hosting the Olympic Games to BRITAIN as a whole
Increased participation in sport and physical activity amongst young people
Feel-good factor
Improved infrastructure, such as road and rail
Business profits increase
Income form tourism increased
Reduced discrimination - high profile of Paralympics
Identify the possible benefits of hosting the Olympic Games to the LOCAL AREA
Urban Renewal
Increased employment opportunities for local people
Increase sense of well-being and belonging
Olympic Village left for residential housing
Increased social integration and co-operation
Reduced crime
Promotion as a business area
Discuss the potential DRAWBACKS of hosting the Olympic Games in London
Soaring costs and potential debts
Rising Council tax bills for local people
Lack of long term job opportunities
Too much focus on elitism rather than participation
Too much focus on London
Increased housing and rental prices discriminating against local people
Define LEGACY in terms of the Olympics
Legacy is what remains after an event. The Olympic legacy will include world class sporting facilities, improved road, rail and communication networks and increased participation in physical activity.
