The Olympic Games have a very long history. They began in 777 BC in Greece and took place every four years for nearly twelve centuries at Olympia. They included many different kinds of sports: running, boxing, wrestling, etc. All the cities in Greece sent their best athletes to Olympia to compete in the Games.
For the period of the Games all the wars stopped. So the Olympic Games became the symbol of peace and friendship. In 394 AD the Games were abolished and were not renewed until many centuries later.
In 1894 French Baron Pierre de Coubertin, addressed all the sports governing bodies and pointed out the significance of sport and its educational value.
Two years later the first modern Olympic Games took place. Of course, the competitions were held in Greece to symbolize the continuation of the centuries-old tradition.
In 1896 the International Olympic Committee was set up. It is the central policy-making body of the Olympic movement. It is formed by the representatives of all countries, which take part in the Olympic Games.
Summer and Winter Games are held separately.
Topic translation: Olympic Games (1)
The Olympic Games have a very long history. They began in 777 BC in Greece and were held every four years for about twelve centuries at Olympia. They included various sports: running, boxing, wrestling, etc. All the cities of Greece sent their best athletes to Olympia to compete in the games.
During the games, all wars ceased. Thus, the Olympic Games have become a symbol of peace and friendship. In 394 AD, the games were canceled and were not resumed for many centuries.
In 1894, the Frenchman, Baron Pierre de Coubertin, addressed all the governing sports bodies and pointed out the importance of sport and its educational value.
Two years later, the first modern Olympic Games were held. Of course, the competition was held in Greece to symbolize the continuation of the age-old tradition.
In 1896 the International Olympic Committee was created. It is the main policy-making body for the Olympic Movement. It includes representatives of all countries participating in the Olympic Games.
Summer and winter games are held separately.
2014 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Events | [tuː ˈθaʊzn̩d ˌfɔːˈtiːn əˈlɪmpɪk ənd ˌperəˈlɪmpɪk ˈwɪntə ɡeɪmz ɪˈvents] | |
Olympic Winter Games of 2014 in Sochi | [əˈlɪmpɪk ˈwɪntə ɡeɪmz əv tuː ˈθaʊzn̩d ˌfɔːˈtiːn ɪn ˈsotʃi] | 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi |
winter olympic sports | [ˈwɪntər əˈlɪmpɪk spɔːts] | |
alpine skiing | [ˈælpaɪn ˈskiːɪŋ] | alpine skiing / skiing |
biathlon | [baɪ"æθlən] | biathlon |
bobsled (BrE) / bobsled (AmE) | [ˈbɒbsleɪ] [ˈbɒbsled] | bobsled |
cross-country skiing | [krɒs ˈkʌntri ˈskiːɪŋ] | ski race |
curling | [ˈkɜːlɪŋ] | curling |
figure skating | [ˈfɪɡə [ˈskeɪtɪŋ] | figure skating) |
freestyle (skiing) | [ˈfriːstaɪl] [ˈskiːɪŋ] | (ski) freestyle |
ice hockey | [aɪsˈhɒki] | |
luge | [luːʒ] | luge |
nordic combined | [ˈnɔːdɪk kəmˈbaɪnd] | Nordic combined |
short track (speed skating) | [ʃɔːt træk] [spiːd ˈskeɪtɪŋ] | short track |
skeleton | [ˈskelɪtn̩] | skeleton |
ski jumping | [skiːˈdʒʌmpɪŋ] | Ski jumping |
snowboarding | ["snəubɔːdɪŋ] | snowboarding |
(long track) speed skating | [ˈlɒŋ træk] [spiːd ˈskeɪtɪŋ] | speed skating (speed skating) |
Olympic vocabulary | [əˈlɪmpɪk vəˈkæbjʊləri] | |
amateur | [ˈæmətə] | amateur |
anthem | [ˈænθəm] | hymn |
banned | [bænd] | forbidden |
broadcaster | [ˈbrɔːdkɑːstə] | host / commentator |
compete | [kəmˈpiːt] | compete |
contestant | [kənˈtestənt] | competitor |
controversy | [ˈkɒntrəvɜːsi] | disagreement |
dope | [ˈdəʊpɪŋ] | doping |
facilities | [fəˈsɪlɪtɪz] | (sports) facilities |
fanfare | [ˈfænfeə] | fanfare |
host | [həʊst] | host country of the olympiad |
humanity | [hjuːˈmænɪti] | humanity |
mascot | [ˈmæskət] | mascot |
medal | [ˈmedl̩] | medal |
motto | [ˈmɒtəʊ] | motto |
nationality | [ˌnæʃəˈnælɪti] | citizenship |
oath | [ əʊθ ] | the oath |
participant | [pɑːˈtɪsɪpənt] | participant |
partisanship | [ˌpɑːtɪˈzænʃɪp] | unfair refereeing (usually for political reasons) |
postpone | [ˌpəust"pəun] | reschedule (competition start) |
preliminaries | [prɪˈlɪmɪnərɪz] | preliminary competition |
purity | [ˈpjʊərɪti] | purity |
qualify | [ˈkwɒlɪfaɪ] | qualify for minimum requirements |
representative | [ˌreprɪˈzentətɪv] | representative |
security | [sɪˈkjʊərɪti] | security guard |
spectator | [spekˈteɪtə] | viewer |
sponsor | [ˈspɒnsə] | sponsor |
spokesman | [ˈspəʊksmən] | a person (often an athlete) who represents the company in the market or in the media |
sportsmanship | [ˈspɔːtsmənʃɪp] | sports spirit of honesty and justice |
stamina | [ˈstæmɪnə] | endurance |
standings | [ˈstændɪŋz] | position in the standings |
substitute | [ˈsʌbstɪtjuːt] | substitute |
swifter | [ˈswɪftə] | faster |
symbols | [ˈsɪmbl̩] | symbol |
torch | [tɔːtʃ] | torch |
venue | [ˈvenjuː] | venue for games (sports ground, etc.) |
victory | [ˈvɪktəri] | victory |
Summer Olympic Games (Text)
By Kenneth Beare
The Summer Olympic Games will be held in London, England beginning July 17, 2012. Competitors from around the world will compete for the gold, silver or bronze medals. For some athletes, winning is not a real possibility. However, they will strive to set personal and / or national bests in their events. Of course, many world records will also be broken during these games. The intensely competitive nature of the games, the strong national pride involved and the challenge in facing the best athletes from around the world combine to demand the top performances from each individual.
In a world where soccer (football), basketball, golf and tennis dominate television broadcasts, the Summer Olympic Games provide a chance to observe sports not usually covered. When was the last time you watched water polo, or fencing? Chances are you watched them during the 2004 Summer Olympic Games in Greece. In this age when many people are fortunate enough to have cable TV connections, spectators can watch a wide variety of athletic competitions.
Athletics and wrestling are probably the oldest sports in the Olympic Games. The tradition of these sports goes back to the original games held in ancient Greece over 2500 years ago. Some of my favorite events include the javelin throw, the high jump and the pole vault, as well as the hurdles. There will also be a wide variety of water sports that include canoeing, sailing and diving. Naturally, swimming is probably the most popular water sport with a wide variety of competitive events including backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, freestyle and more.
The summer games also include a number of events that have recently been introduced to the games. Kayaking and mountain biking, baseball and beach volleyball are just a few. I certainly haven"t mentioned all the sports - who would want to miss gymnastics - but you get the idea. Turn on your TV, relax and enjoy a moment of peace and togetherness in this struggling world of ours. The Summer Olympic Games provides an example that we should follow: competition with respect.
Olympic Games
The world's greatest international sports games are known as the Olympic Games.
The Olympic idea means friendship, fraternity and cooperation among the people of the world. The Olympic Movement proves that real peace can be achieved through sport.
The Olympic emblem is five interlinked rings: blue, yellow, black, green and red. Any national flag contains at least one of these colors.
The original Olympic Games began in ancient Greece in 776 B.C. These games were part of a festival held every fourth year in honor of God Zeus at the place called Olympia. It was a great athletic festival, including competitions in wrestling, foot racing and chariot racing, rowing and others.
The games were for men only. Greek women were forbidden not only to participate but also to watch the Olympics.
The first modern Olympic Games were held in Athens in 1896. Then they were resumed in London after the Second World War. Since then the Olympics are held every fourth year in different countries.
The ancient Greeks had no winter sports. Only in 1924 the first Winter Olympic Games were held in France. Now they are being held regularly.
Olympic Games
The most famous sports games in the world are the Olympic Games.
The idea of the games is friendship, brotherhood and harmony among the peoples of the world. The Olympic Movement proves that peace can be achieved through sport.
The Olympic emblem is five interlaced rings: blue, yellow, black, green and red. The flag of any country has at least one of these colors.
The first time the Olympic Games were held in Ancient Greece in 776 BC. e. They were part of a festival held every fourth year in honor of the god Zeus at Olympia. It was a grandiose sports festival, which included competitions in wrestling, running, chariot riding, rowing, etc.
Only men were allowed to the games, women were forbidden not only to participate, but also to observe.
The first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896 in Athens. Then they were resumed in London after the Second World War. Since that time, the Olympic Games have been held every fourth year in different countries.
The ancient Greeks did not have winter sports. It wasn't until 1924 that the first Winter Olympic Games took place in France. Now they are held regularly.
Questions:
1. What are the world's greatest sports games?
2. What does the Olympic idea mean?
3. What is the Olympic emblem?
4. Why have these colors been chosen?
5. When and where did the original Olympic Games begin?
6. Did women participate in the games?
7. When were the first modern Olympic Games held? Where?
8. Are the Olympics held in the same place?
9. When did the Winter Olympic Games start being held? Where?
Vocabulary:
peace - peace
fraternity - brotherhood
contain(s) - contain
ancient - ancient
B.C. (before Christ) - BC
Zeus - Zeus
to participate - participate
to resume - resume
Level C. Classic essay
The Importance of the Olympic Games
People have been thinking about their health since the time immemorial. The main way to keep fit is going in for sports. That is why the Olympic Games, which have a long history, were organized. And this year, Russia is honored to host the winter Olympic Games. So how will they affect us and our country?In my opinion, these Games will play a very important role in the history of the Russian Federation. First of all, we can show our hospitality, our traditions and our culture to people all over the world. I know that foreigners have some stereotypes about Russia, so these Games can break them. Secondly, it will be a great opportunity for our people to communicate and make more friends among guests from different countries. That will make our international relationships stronger.
But some people claim that holding Olympic Games is not a very good idea, because the country has to invest really a great deal of money to organize the ceremonies, build stadiums, hotels and Olympic Games objects and equipment for stadiums and athletic halls.
I strongly disagree with this opinion. I believe the more you give, the better results you will have. So this money will be worth it.
In conclusion, I would like to say that Russia is famous for its hospitality and “a wide soul”. I believe that this event will help us become one big family, enjoy all this time and support our country in these important competitions.
People began to think about their health from time immemorial. The main way to keep yourself in shape is playing sports. Therefore, the Olympic Games were organized, which have their own long history. This year, Russia is honored to host the Winter Olympic Games as a guest. So how will this affect us and our country?
In my opinion, these games will play a huge role in the history of the Russian Federation. First of all, we will be able to show our hospitality, our traditions and our culture to people from all over the world. I know that foreigners have some stereotypes about our country, so this event will help break them down. Secondly, it will be a wonderful opportunity for our people to communicate with people from different countries and make friends among foreigners. This will help our international relations become stronger.
But some people think that holding the Olympic Games is not a good idea, since the state should invest a huge amount of money in the organization. In the construction of stadiums, hotels and various Olympic facilities and equipment for stadiums and arenas.
In conclusion, I would like to say that Russia is known for its hospitality and "big heart". I believe that this event will help us become one, enjoy this time and support our team in this difficult competition.
Olympic Games.
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, until Emperor Theodosius decreed in 393 A.D. that all such "pagan cults" be banned.
Olympia
Olympia, the site of the ancient Olympic Games, is in the western part of the Peloponnese which, according to Greek mythology, is the island of "Pelops", the founder of the Olympic Games. Imposing temples, votive buildings, elaborate shrines and ancient sporting facilities were combined in a site of unique natural and mystical beauty. 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.
The Games and religion
The Olympic Games were closely linked to the religious festivals of the cult of Zeus, but were not an integral part of a rite. Indeed, they had a secular character and aimed to show the physical qualities and evolution of the performances accomplished by young people, as well as encouraging good relations between the cities of Greece. According to specialists, the Olympic Games owed their purity and importance to religion.
Victory Ceremonies
The Olympic victor received his first awards immediately after the competition. Following the announcement of the winner's name by the herald, a Hellanodikis (Greek judge) would place a palm branch in his hands, while the spectators cheered and threw flowers to him. Red ribbons were tied on his head and hands as a mark of victory.
The official award ceremony would take place on the last day of the Games, at the elevated vestibule of the temple of Zeus. In a loud voice, the herald would announce the name of the Olympic winner, his father's name, and his homeland. Then, the Hellanodikis placed the sacred olive tree wreath, or kotinos, on the winner's head.
Quiz on the topic "Olympic Games".
Olympic Games Quiz 1. How often are the Olympic Games held? Every year Every two years Every four years 2. How many rings are there in the Olympic Games symbol? four five 3. What do they represent? countries of the world Continents of the world cities of the world 4. When will the next Summer Olympics be held? 2012 2014 2016 5. Where will the next Winter Olympics be held? London Sochi Rio de Janeiro 6. Where were the first modern Olympics played? 1896 1900 1924 7. Who was the ‘inventor’ of the modern Olympic Games? Pierre de Coubertin Juan Antonio Samaranch Jacques Rogge 8. What do the sportsmen who come first, second and third win in the Olympics? Certificates Equipment medals 9. Where are The International Olympic Committee based? France Switzerland Spain 10. How many people play in a Water Polo team? Five seven. |
summer olympic sports | Summer olympic sports |
Archery | Archery |
Artistic gymnastics | Gymnastics |
Athletics | Athletics |
Badminton | Badminton |
Basketball | Basketball |
BMX (cycling) |
|
Boxing | Boxing |
canoe/kayak (sprint) | Kayaking and canoeing (sprint) |
Diving | Diving |
Dressage (Equestrian) | Dressage (equestrian sport) |
Eventing (Equestrian) | Triathlon (equestrian sport) |
Fencing | Fencing |
field hockey | Field hockey |
Football | Football |
Freestyle (Wrestling) | Freestyle wrestling |
Greco-Roman (Wrestling) | Greco-Roman wrestling |
Judo | Judo |
Jumping (Equestrian) | Jumping (equestrian sport) |
Handball | Handball |
modern pentathlon | Modern pentathlon |
Mountain biking | Mountain biking (cycling) |
Rhythmic gymnastics | Gymnastics |
road cycling | Road racing (cycling) |
Swimming | Swimming |
Synchronized swimming | Synchronized swimming |
track cycling | Track racing (cycling) |
Trampoline | Trampolining |
Volleyball (beach) | Beach volleyball |
Volleyball (indoor) | Volleyball |
water polo | Water polo |
Rowing | rowing |
Sailing | Sailing |
Shooting | Shooting |
table tennis | Table tennis |
Taekwondo | taekwondo |
Tennis | Tennis |
Triathlon | triathlon |
Weightlifting | Weightlifting |
winter olympic sports | Winter olympic sports |
Alpine skiing | Skiing |
Biathlon | Biathlon |
Bobsleigh | Bobsled |
cross-country skiing | Ski race |
Curling | Curling |
Figure skating | Figure skating |
freestyle skiing | Freestyle (Skiing) |
ice hockey | Hockey |
Luge | luge |
Nordic combined | Nordic combined |
Short track speed skating | Short Track (Skating) |
Skeleton | Skeleton |
Ski jumping | ski jumping |
snowboarding | snowboarding |
speed skating | Skating |
Olympic vocabulary | Olympic vocabulary |
Amateur | amateur |
Anthem | Hymn |
Banned | forbidden |
Broadcaster | Presenter/announcer/commentator |
Compete | Compete |
Contestant | Competitor |
Controversy | disagreement |
Doping | Dope |
Facilities | (Sports) facilities |
Fanfare | Fanfare |
Host | Host country of the Olympics |
Humanity | Humanity |
Medal | Medal |
motto | Motto |
nationality | Citizenship |
oath | The oath |
Participant | Participant |
Partisanship | Unfair refereeing (usually for political reasons) |
Postpone | Reschedule (competition start) |
Preliminaries | Preliminaries |
Purity | Purity |
Qualify | Qualify for minimum requirements |
representative | Representative |
security | Security guard |
spectator | Viewer |
Sponsor | Sponsor |
Spokesman | A person (often an athlete) who represents the company in the marketplace or in the media |
sportsmanship | Sports spirit of honesty and justice |
Stamina | Endurance |
Standings | Position in the standings |
Substitute | Substitute Substitute |
Swifter | Faster |
symbol | Symbol |
Torch | Torch |
Venue | Location of games (sports field, etc.) |
Victory | Victory |