In 1894, a congress was held in Paris, where the problems of physical education were discussed . June 23 decided to revive the Olympic movement, so the international Olympic day is celebrated on the 23rd of the first summer month. Representatives of twelve countries created an Olympic committee, and the first games were held after 2 years in Greece.
How to spend a holiday
On this day, cities around the world hold running sports competitions . Everyone can participate in the race. Also on the international Olympic day there are various competitions for children, relay races. Outstanding participants in sporting events are awarded with diplomas, valuable gifts, prizes.
Games History
With the advent of the Olympic Games, many legends are associated. Historians believe that the first games began to take place in ancient times. Then the ancient Greek states constantly fought, and their rulers decided once every four years to arrange competitions - "rest". During the games, any military action was banned, but the ban was sometimes violated.
International Olympic Day in those days included competitions in running at different distances, wrestling, fist fighting, discus throwing, and a chariot race. The fairer sex was forbidden not only to participate in games, but even to attend them.
The winners were awarded symbolic prizes: a palm branch and an olive wreath. Upon returning to his homeland, the champion was honored with the highest privileges and was considered a “demigod”. Honor and respect in ancient times were higher than material wealth.
International Olympic Day and Politics
The politics of the competition was hidden. In the second century BC, immediately after Rome conquered the Greek states, it began to look much stronger. So, Nero became a champion in the chariot race because everyone was afraid of a powerful ruler.
In 394, the Games were banned, and Olympia ceased to exist. Only after 14 centuries, the town was excavated by archaeologists. Then there was talk of a revival of the Olympic Games. They were approved again on June 23.
International Olympic Day is now not only games, but also politics. The Olympic Games are considered a symbol of prestige, they are held even if there is no money in the budget to hold them. This happened, for example, in 1896 in Athens.
When the Russian team entered the Big Arena in 1952, the games acquired a bright political color: the United States and Russia began to compete in the number of medals won, the sport was subordinated to state interests.
Holiday in 2013
A flag with five intertwined rings symbolizes the unity of the parts of the world and emphasize the national character of the games. Winners now receive not symbolic prizes, but monetary awards, medals. In the first games, 241 athletes participated, each year there were more and more of them. For example, in 2004, 11 thousand people took part in Athens.
International Olympic Day 2013 was held on June 23. As always, power structures and individual organizations organized races and competitions. After all, the main task of the Olympic movement is the sports education of youth in the spirit of friendship, mutual assistance and understanding. This approach helps to create a calm environment in the state and around the world.