THE OLYMPIC TRUCE Over many years we have had the Olympic and Paralympic games and I have asked myself these questions over and over again: What is the meaning of this? Where did it all start? And how does this benefit our world?
I believe that all these questions will be answered as you continue to read about my views on the Olympics and Paralympics.
The meaning of the truce
The Olympic Truce is a sacred tradition originating from ancient Greece that dates back to the 8th century BC that was announced before and during the Olympic games to ensure athletes and spectators could travel safely to the Games and peacefully return to their respective countries. But now this means that even countries that are at war have to call a ceasefire to recognise this event. "The Olympic Truce helps to show the world that peace is a possibility" Statement by The Right Honourable Sebastian Coe, Chairman of the London Organising Committee introducing the draft UN General Assembly resolution “Building a peaceful and better world through sport and the Olympic ideal” In conclusion the world Olympic Games Truce was instituted to promote world
peace.
When did it all start? According to historical records, the first ancient Olympic Games can be traced back to 776 BC. They were dedicated to the Olympian gods and were staged on the ancient plains of Olympia. They continued for nearly 12 centuries.
according to Greek mythology, is the island of "Pelops", the founder of the Olympic Games.Olympia functioned as a meeting place for worship and other religious and political practices as early as the 10th century B.C. The central part of Olympia was dominated by the majestic temple of Zeus, with the temple of Hera parallel to it. People from all over the Greek world came to watch and take part.
Sadly the Games were banned in 393 B.C. by Roman emperor. The games were outlawed as a pagan festival. Nearly 1500 years later the Olympic Games took rebirth. In 1892, the Pierre De
Olympia, the site of the ancient Olympic Games, is in the western part of the Peloponnese which,
Coubertin began the revival of Olympic Games. A f t e r t w o y e a r s
he arranged a meeting with 79 delegates. In this meeting the Coubertin spoke about the Olympic Games. Most of the delegates agreed with Coubertin and decided to construct a committee to organize the games. The committee became the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
How does this benefit our world today?
is doing to promote Peace through Sport and Culture with an additional recognition. This project has already been awarded the Inspire Mark, the badge of the London 2012 Inspire Program, for the work it has been doing to engage students and their teachers in promoting peace between all countries and cultures through art and the formation of one Peace Quilt. International Peace Quilt has now also become part of London 2012`s TRUCE ,which recognizes projects that help to promote the Olympic Truce by building a better and more Peaceful World through sport and the Olympic Ideal.
The International Peace Quilt
CONCLUSION As the Olympics draw closer we are advancing towards a better, more peaceful world for everyone. has been recognized by London 2012 for the work it
BY Tiwaladeoluwa.D.Topia 4A