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Overview
First held in 776 BC, the Olympic Games have become a world tradition. The Games began with only one event and now encompass over 25 categories each made up of several events. As they have grown, the games have picked up symbols along the way. |
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The Rings
In 1913 the rings became a symbol of the Olympics. They stand for unity or the coming together of nations. The colors of the rings are blue, yellow, black, green and red on a white flag. At least one of the 6 colors can be found on every national flag. |
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The Flame
In 1936 the tradition started of passing a flame or torch from one runner to the next. This shows how we are connected from the first Olympics all the way to the Olympic Games we play today. |
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The Oath
When you play a game you should play by the rules in order to be fair. In 1920 the Olympic oath was created. It is said at the beginning of every Olympic Game. This Olympic oath is a promise to play by the rules of the games.
"In the names of all the competitors I promise that we shall take part in these Olympic Games, respecting and abiding by the rules which govern them, committing ourselves to a sport without doping and without drugs, in the true spirit of sportsmanship, for the glory of sport and the honor of our teams." |
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The Creed
The Olympic Creed (set of beliefs) was created in 1908 and is shown during the start of the games; it is a reminder that trying your best is more important than winning.
"The most important thing in the Olympic Games in not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph, but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered, but to have fought well." |
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The Motto
In 1895 the Greek words "Citius, Altius, Fortius" which means "Swifter, Higher, Stronger" became the Olympic Motto. |
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