History of Olympic Games

The core principle of Olympic Games lies in exaltation of life and coalition of body, mind and will. The Olympic Games seek to achieve a way of life that is based on joy, education and cultural values and respect for each other at individual as well as nation's level. Olympic Games emphasize: “It's not important to win but to take part, just as most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle.” That is illustrated in the Olympic creed.

The Olympic Games was started by Heracles of Greece in 776 BC for promoting a secular spirit, youth and cultural in Greece cities. The ancient Olympic flourished in Greece for twelve hundred years but Roman emperor Theodosius-I, a non-believer in Olympic Games did away with the practice. Coubertin, a French aristocrat restarted Olympics Games focusing on sports for cultural promotion and ever since Olympics has achieved new heights and popularity.

International Olympic Committee was setup in 1894. The international body is responsible for administration of the games. It is single proprietor of trademarks, copyrights, and any other tangible and intangible properties of the Olympic Games. IOC owns Olympic Logos, Olympic flag and its design, the Motto, the Creed and the Anthem.

Each of the Olympic symbols carries a theme. The five interlinked rings in different hues represent interlinking unity of the five inhabited continents Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and Oceania. The colours of the rings- red, blue, green, yellow and black- were chosen in such a way that every nation has at least one colour in its national flag. The Olympic flag was adopted in 1914.

The Olympic Torch symbolizes spreading of peace message between the continents. The Olympic Torch is ignited several months before the start of the main event. Eleven women, representing priestesses, perform ceremony of igniting the Torch by sunrays.

The Olympic Flame lit in front of the Temple of Hera at Olympic in Greece, depicts immortal connection between ancient and modern Olympics. This torch is carried by runners of continents and finally a cauldron is lit and is extinguished only at the closing ceremony.

Olympic Hymn which is formally known as Olympic Anthem are basically a musical piece, which was composed by Spyroa Samaras from Greek poet writer Kosti, Palamas. It was accepted as Olympic Anthem in 1958. Olympic Games have 35 different sports, 53 disciplines and more than 400 events. The upcoming Beijing Olympics is ready to showcase the youth brigade of the world sending the message of international brotherhood with great enthusiasm. The 16-days-and-17-night mega-event will give a chance to China to depict its true culture heritage, economy, infrastructure.