The Olympic Torch

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The History of the Olympics

• Olympic Games began over 2,700 years ago in Olympia, in southwest Greece. The Games were part of a religious festival.

• The Greek Olympics, thought to have begun in 776 BC, inspired the modern Olympic Games (begun in 1896)

• The Games were held in honour of Zeus, king of the gods, and were staged every four years.

The History of the Flame

• The ancient Greeks considered fire to have sacred qualities. Mirrors were used to focus the sun's rays to ignite flames that would burn perpetually in front of Greek temples.

• Today, the Olympic flame is lit in front of the ruins of the Temple of Hera in Olympia, Greece. The flame emphasizes the connection between the ancient games and the modern ones.

Olympic Symbolism

• Each ring on the Olympic flag is a different colour (blue, yellow, black, green and red) and displayed on a white background. These six colours represent all nations.• The rings are interlocked signifying the spirit of respect shown in the gathering of athletes from all over the world during the Olympic Games.

• The flag was first used at an Olympic Games in Antwerp 1920, just after the culmination of the First World War.

Olympic Symbolism

• Each ring on the Olympic flag is a different colour (blue, yellow, black, green and red) and displayed on a white background. These six colours represent all nations.• The rings are interlocked signifying the spirit of respect shown in the gathering of athletes from all over the world during the Olympic Games.

• The flag was first used at an Olympic Games in Antwerp 1920, just after the culmination of the First World War.

Olympic Spirit

• For many of us, mention of the Olympics conjures up images of the summer games. Perhaps the memorable performances from Beijing 2008: Usain Bolt's domination of the sprint competition, Sir Chris Hoy's three gold medals or Rebecca Adlington's double triumph in the pool.

• Perhaps the word 'Olympics' creates anticipation for London 2012. The Olympic Movement, however, covers more than just the summer games. The movement aims to unite people through sport.

Olympic Spirit• The Olympic Charter, established by de Coubertin, states that 'The practice of sport is a human right'. Everyone should be able to play sport 'without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit, which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play.'

• The spirit of the Olympic Movement remains throughout all its work, bringing people together in peace and friendship to play sport.

Olympic Torch in Newport

• Newport will welcome the Olympic Torch to the city on Friday 25 May and will be the first Welsh city to welcome the Torch as part of its journey around the UK ahead of the London Olympic Games in 2012.

Why is it coming to Newport?The Torch Relay will visit more than 1,000 cities, towns and villages in the UK on its 70-day journey. 1,000 people will carry the Olympic Flame during the Torch Relay. Their personal stories will have the power to inspire millions of people watching around the world. The Torch Relay will start on 19 May and end on 27 July.

Newport Torchbearers• Caity Exton • Mark James• Emily Barnes• Hywel Jenkins• Lee Harvey• Emma Garland• Marlene Barnett• Matt Skinner• Rob Westwood• Sarah Baker• Sarah Benham• Tony Williams• Carl Bainton

• The torchbearers of Newport are among 8,000 inspirational individuals who have been nominated for their commitment to enriching the lives of other’s through sport

Olympic Torch in Newport

How can I join in?

The Torch Relay is free to watch and is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the Torch in the city. Residents and visitors are encouraged to line Newport’s streets and see the Torch pass through the city and cheer on the inspirational Torchbearers who will be carrying the flame.

Olympic Spirit• In 1992 Derek Redmond was running in the men’s 400m race. He had trained for 4 years for this event. When his hamstring tore on the back straight years of training had all counted for nothing.

• Despite the pain and devastation of failing to fulfil his dream he wanted to cross the line and finish the race.

•With the help of his Dad he hobbled across the line to the greatest applause of the games

• The Olympic spirit talks of solidarity and friendship. Derek Redmond epitomised this and also showed the world how much the games and sport meant to him.

1 minute reflection

• The Olympic torch represents solidarity and togetherness through sport. Derek Redmond epitomised the Olympic spirit and despite a huge set back was determined to never give up. •For the one minute reflection think about a time when you found something difficult in school

•Consider the Olympic spirit and Derek Redmond so that next time you find something difficult you could show the determination to keep going work through the problem.