Global sporting events
The modern Olympic games
Background and aims
The first modern Olympic Games in Athens (1896) emerged from the ideas/philosophies of its founder,
Baron Pierre de Coubertin.
He was influenced/inspired by the Ancient Olympics and the Robert Dover Games.
De Coubertin was invited to visit the Wenlock Olympian Games by its founder Dr William Penny Brookes.
The Wenlock Olympian Games inspired de Coubertin to develop moral, physical and intellectual
improvements in people via sports.
De Coubertin was also strongly influenced by his visits to English public schools, such as rugby schools,
where he saw first hand the value of sport in its promotion of physical and moral qualities.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) was formed in 1894 in Paris, and was closely followed by the
first modern day Olympics in Athens in 1896.
Robert Dover Games – (Also know as the Cotswold Olimpick Games). Named after its founder, the games
are held annually in the Cotswolds on the Friday after the spring bank holiday.
Wenlock Olympic Games – Founded in 1850 by Dr William Penny Brookes as an annual cultural and
sporting festival.
British Olympic Association (BOA)
Formed in 1905.
Responsible for the planning and execution of the Great Britain Olympic Teams participation in the Olympic
games.
Work alongside Olympic Governing Bodies to select Team GB from the best sportsmen and women.
Deliver extensive support services to Britain’s Olympic athletes and their NGBS throughout each Olympic
cycle to assist them in their preparation and performance.
Develops the Olympic movement throughout the UK.
The BOA in only one of five counties that have never failed to be represented at the Olympics since 1896.
International Olympic Committee (IOC)
Created by the Paris congress in 1894.
Owns all the rights to the Olympic symbol and the Games.
IOC is the world body that administers the Olympic movement.
The headquarters is in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Members are appointed to the IOC and are responsible for selecting the host cities of the Olympic games,
both summer and winter.
The Paralympics
First Games organised in Rome 1960 as a sports competition for second world war victims with serious
back injuries in Stoke Mandeville in the UK.
In Toronto 1976, other disability groups were added along with different sports.
The first Paralympic winter Games took place in Sweden in 1976.
Paralympic Values
Determination – The drive and motivation to overcome both physical and mental factors.
Courage – Having the self-belief and confidence to overcome adversity and face difficulty.
Equality – Showing respect and humility towards all those around you in the spirit of fair play.
Inspiration – To be motivated by the achievements and actions of others and to be positive example to
others.
The modern Olympic games
Background and aims
The first modern Olympic Games in Athens (1896) emerged from the ideas/philosophies of its founder,
Baron Pierre de Coubertin.
He was influenced/inspired by the Ancient Olympics and the Robert Dover Games.
De Coubertin was invited to visit the Wenlock Olympian Games by its founder Dr William Penny Brookes.
The Wenlock Olympian Games inspired de Coubertin to develop moral, physical and intellectual
improvements in people via sports.
De Coubertin was also strongly influenced by his visits to English public schools, such as rugby schools,
where he saw first hand the value of sport in its promotion of physical and moral qualities.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) was formed in 1894 in Paris, and was closely followed by the
first modern day Olympics in Athens in 1896.
Robert Dover Games – (Also know as the Cotswold Olimpick Games). Named after its founder, the games
are held annually in the Cotswolds on the Friday after the spring bank holiday.
Wenlock Olympic Games – Founded in 1850 by Dr William Penny Brookes as an annual cultural and
sporting festival.
British Olympic Association (BOA)
Formed in 1905.
Responsible for the planning and execution of the Great Britain Olympic Teams participation in the Olympic
games.
Work alongside Olympic Governing Bodies to select Team GB from the best sportsmen and women.
Deliver extensive support services to Britain’s Olympic athletes and their NGBS throughout each Olympic
cycle to assist them in their preparation and performance.
Develops the Olympic movement throughout the UK.
The BOA in only one of five counties that have never failed to be represented at the Olympics since 1896.
International Olympic Committee (IOC)
Created by the Paris congress in 1894.
Owns all the rights to the Olympic symbol and the Games.
IOC is the world body that administers the Olympic movement.
The headquarters is in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Members are appointed to the IOC and are responsible for selecting the host cities of the Olympic games,
both summer and winter.
The Paralympics
First Games organised in Rome 1960 as a sports competition for second world war victims with serious
back injuries in Stoke Mandeville in the UK.
In Toronto 1976, other disability groups were added along with different sports.
The first Paralympic winter Games took place in Sweden in 1976.
Paralympic Values
Determination – The drive and motivation to overcome both physical and mental factors.
Courage – Having the self-belief and confidence to overcome adversity and face difficulty.
Equality – Showing respect and humility towards all those around you in the spirit of fair play.
Inspiration – To be motivated by the achievements and actions of others and to be positive example to
others.
