776 BC The first Games were held in Greece and

were known as the Ancient Games lasting until the 4th Century AD.

The modern games, or the Olympic Games as we came to know them, began

in 1896 when Frenchman Pierre de Coubertin revived the Games to bring

peace and friendship to young people all over the world.

εκεχειρια = Truce 884BC

Kings Iphitos, Lycurgus and Cleisthenes decreed a cessation of all hostilities from seven days before

until seven days after the Games contested by their top sportsmen,

and so

The Olympic Truce was born

1992 AD Barcelona Games:

the International Olympic Committee and the United Nations sought the return of the Truce• The Truce captures the Olympic values of fair

competition, humanity, reconciliation and tolerance within its ideology

• Seeking to protect the interests of athletes and sports• To search for peaceful and diplomatic solutions to

conflict• Pioneering mankind in Unity, and enabling the

celebration of our differences, patriotism and cultures

Every Olympic Games since 1992, the Truce has been observed,

both Summer and Winter.

Whilst it doesn’t aim to bring peace to all and for all time, it gives hope that unity, peace and harmony are

possible albeit brief.

Fair Competition

What is Fair Competition?Being treated as equals, evenly matched

No drug enhanced performances, only training, stamina and natural performance

Not exhibiting any bias, and therefore reasonable or impartial

Each Country may have held a selection process in order to help them find the top men and

women to represent them in the Olympic and Paralympic events

Each Country sends their top athletes to compete against other athletes of a similar

ability from other countries, within they’re own chosen

sport or sports

Humanity

The Opening Ceremony is about celebrating all the Countries coming

together and being proud of where they are from.

Celebrating the Unity of mankind despite its differences, overcoming

racism, intolerance, hatred and bigotry.

The 5 rings represent the 5 participating continents, the rings interlock and stand for

mankind being united. At least one of the colours is

representational of the Country’s flag

When the athletes compete, they do it with compassion and

are charitable in opposition. Regardless of colour, race or creed all of our religions ask

that we show these attributes to one another

ReconciliationWhat is reconciliation?

Dictionary definition says Act of reconciling or the state of being

reconciled.Forgive and forget, remember what

is important in todays society

We must learn to forgive and forget the past, live in the present

and hope for the future.If we reconcile with each other

there will be a better society, not just a better atmosphere at the

Olympics but a better world

Events like the Olympics are internationally attended and

widely broadcasted, they provide an excellent global platform for

raising social awareness.Sport is a beneficial tool to implement social change

Tolerance

A thesaurus would provide many options on the world tolerance, open-mindedness, acceptance,

forbearance, lenience and patience being the main

alternatives of usage

Being tolerant of others overcomes many of the negative issues mankind

suffers from, the athletes show tolerance in their competitiveness.

They set good humane examples to us all. In the process to find the top athlete man or woman, it doesn’t matter what colour they are, what

religion they follow.

The competing athletes set the standards by which we should all follow, upholding the

values of the Games, treating each other as we would wish to be treated ourselves

“Sport alone cannot enforce or maintain peace. But it has a vital role to play in building a better and more peaceful

world.“Dr Jacques Rogge, October 2007