"The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph, but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered, but to have fought well."
Olympic Creed
Olympic Creed
The first known Olympic Games was recorded in around 776 BC in Olympia, Greece. They were celebrated until 396 AD.
The Ancient Olympic Games consisted of only one race, the "stade" race, which was the length of the stadium and between 180 and 240 metres long (we don't know for sure). Over the years more running races and other events were added, including boxing, wrestling, chariot racing, long jump, javelin and discus throwing.
This year London has the great privilege of being host to the Summer Olympic games for the third time in its history in 2012 - the previous occasions being 1908 and 1948. London will be the only city ever to host three Olympic Games! A new 200 acre "Olympic Park" has been built in Stratford, East London, and many existing London facilities, such as Wembley Stadium, will also be used.
The London 2012 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony took place at 9pm on
27 July 2012.
Titled 'Isles of Wonder', the Ceremony welcomed the
finest athletes from more than 200 nations for the start of the London
2012 Olympic Games, marking an historic third time the capital has
hosted the world’s biggest and most important sporting event.
The
Opening Ceremony reflected the key themes and priorities of the London
2012 Games, based on sport, inspiration, youth and urban transformation.
It was a Ceremony 'for everyone' and celebrated contributions the UK
has made to the world through innovation and revolution, as well as the
creativity and exuberance of British people.
The spectacular
finale of the event saw the Olympic Cauldron, formed of 205 copper
petals representing the competing nations coming together in London for
the Games, ignited by seven young Torchbearers nominated by Britain’s
past and present Olympic and sporting greats.London Olympic Torch Relay
