The Olympics. How did sporting events emerge out of worship for one of the gods? In what ways does this relate to the modern olympics and our sense of nationalism?

THE OLYMPICS

Introduction

The Olympic Games is one of the earliest Pan-Hellenic festival as well as its modern revival . The Games as held today , is the largest showcase and competition of the world 's best athletic skills and sportsmanship It embodies and promotes nationalism , politics and commerce among competing nations . The coming together for participation promotes unity among nations while national pride upholds the competitive spirit . The existence of such opposing elements during Olympic Games can be found not only today but could also be traced during its early versions . Their

br high ideal , as opposed to commercialism and politics has been observed even from its ancient celebrations

The origin of the early games is obscure but the date of the first festival is traditionally 776 B .C . at Olympia . This was the year from which the Greeks dated their chronology in Olympiads and about the same year that Homer was born . Thereafter , the festival was held in quadrennials in celebration of each new Olympiad (or every after four years . The festivities were closely related with religious rites but it also includes athletic contests , oratory , music , poetry , and other art forms

It was during the late 19th century that the Olympic Games were revived as an international athletic contest , retaining the ideals of the original Olympian festival and some of the events in its modified form Although its initial revival was successful , it was not spared from a few hurdles . Over the years , the Games continued to attract international participants . About 203 countries are now involved in the Olympics , as compared to 14 participating countries way back in 1896 The current numbers of participating countries are markedly higher than the recognized 193 countries by the United Nations . Reason of which comes from the International Olympic Committee 's regulations , which allows nations that had not been duly recognized by the United Nations to participate and compete . Consequently , colonies of other member nation are allowed to organize their own Olympic teams and make representations even though their athletes hold the same citizenship of another competing nation . Taiwan for example , used to compete as Republic of China , causing conflict with the People 's Republic of China , which refused to participate until 1980 . Taiwan thereafter competed with the official name Chinese Taipei . In fact , the next Olympic Games will be held in 2008 at Beijing . China is now busy in its preparation as 2008 Olympics host . Countries vying to host the Games have to accommodate large numbers of athletes , tourists , and journalists . The growth of the number of people involved in the Games celebration is one of the major concerns that organizers continually face . Nevertheless , the Olympics are one of the most awaited and popular major world events today

Ancient Olympics

As the world looks on with anticipation as the years draw nearer (and with great preparation ) for the coming of the next Olympic games , one cannot but help to look back from its origin . Despite its popularity its ancient origins had been shrouded in...