The document describes how the ancient Olympic Games originated in Greece and were held every four years, bringing people together from all over in a spirit of peace and friendship. It contrasts aspects of the ancient Games, where events were rough and participants were all men who competed without clothes, to the modern Olympics, where many rules protect athletes of all genders from all countries who train for years and compete in 26 sports while representing their nations.

2. Long ago a great athletics festival was
held at Olympia in Greece. Every 4 years
men came from all over Greece to take
part.

3. The Olympics take place every 4 years,
each time in a different country. Men and
women from all over the world take part.

4. From 7 days before the games until 7
days after they ended, all fighting
stopped. Even when a battle had been long
and fierce, soldiers put down their
weapons.

5. The Olympic Games don’t stop wars,
but they encourage peace and friendship.

6. Women were not
allowed to compete in
the games, and only
priestesses were
allowed to watch them.

7. Women athletes take part in all sports.

8. Athletes had to swear that they
had been training for 10 months.

9. Athletes train for years to be
ready for the Games.

10. A flame was lit by the sun and kept
burning until the end of the Games.

11. A flame is lit by the sun and kept
burning until the end of the Games.

12. Athletes in the first Olympic Games
didn’t wear any clothes.

13. Athletes wear a special uniform to
represent their country.

14. When the Olympic
Games first
started there was
only one event.
The men had to
sprint along the
stadium.

15. Later they took part in discus,
javelin, jumping, running and wrestling
events,

16. … as well as boxing and chariot racing.

17. Athletes take part in 26 sports in
the Olympic Games.

18. Some events were very rough, because
there were hardly any rules.

19. Athletes must obey very strict rules.

20. At the ancient
Olympics a
wreath of olive
branches was
placed on the
winner's head.

21. Athletes win medals.
Rebecca Adlington

22. After the games, the athletes cleaned
themselves by rubbing oils over their bodies.
They scraped off the oil, sweat and dirt with
a metal tool.

23. Athletes take showers after competing.

24. Special coins were made to celebrate
each Games.

25. Special mascots are designed to
help us remember each Games.

26. If you would like more FREE
lessons on the Olympics
visit the Go-Givers website
http://www.gogivers.org/teachers/lessons/ks-1/theme/olympics/