Olympic Motto In 1891, a friend of Pierre de Coubertin The Ancient Olympic Games began in 776 BC, in Olympia, Greece. called Father Henry The Athlete’s Oath Didon came up with a They were held once every four years. Unlike today, the event was simple motto for the At every opening ceremony always held in the same place, and women had their own Games. Olympic Games. In Latin, a chosen athlete reads it was ‘Citius, altius, In 393 AD, a powerful earthquake destroyed much of Olympia, and the oath on behalf of all fortius.’ It means ‘Faster, the Ancient Olympic Games came to an end. other athletes. The oath was Higher, Stronger’. Around 1500 years later, a Frenchman, Pierre de Coubertin, first used in 1920. A more wanted to bring the Olympic Games back to life. In 1894, he modern version of the oath is used today. Olympic Message invited his friends and colleagues to a meeting in Paris, France, On the score board at every Olympic Games, and he told them about his plan to start the Modern Olympic The Medal Ceremony Games. The group became known as the International Olympic a message reminds Only first-place winners athletes that taking part Committee (IOC). New Zealand was one of the 13 nations received an award at the is the most important represented at the signing of the IOC. Together, the Committee Ancient Olympics. It was thing, not winning. decided on some aims. a wreath cut from the branch of a sacred olive Sacred Truce At the Ancient Olympics, awards were given to athletes, tree and a container of artists, musicians and writers, who all took part in the olive oil!l! TThesehese ddays,ays, At the Ancient Olympic Games, a truce was celebration. In keeping with this idea, Pierre de Coubertin medals aarere aawardedwarded to the topop tthreehree made that meant that, created symbols and encouraged ceremonies, music and placegetters:etters: regardless of current pageantry in the Modern Olympics. This combination of sports Gold forr ffirstirst wars, athletes, artists and culture makes the Olympic Games very diff erent from place, SSilverilver fforor and their families, as well as ordinary people, other sports events. second pplacelace and Bronzeonze could travel in safety for thirdd to the Olympic Games place. and return home safely These afterwards. The Olympic are two truce today promotes well-known Olympic peace, friendship and symbols understanding in the world around each The Olympic Flag The Olympic Flame Games. ImageI source: GETTY IMAGEIMAGES. Adapted from Teaching Values, An Olympic Education Toolkit, © 2007, International Olympic Committee, www.olympic.org