Let the Games Begin!

As far as can be determined, the Olympic Games started in 776 BC, open only to Greek citizens, held in Olympia and were dedicated to the Olympian gods. They were originally just one-day events, but were extended to three days in 684 BC, and later to five days.

The ancient games included running, long jump, shot put, javelin, boxing, pankration (a primitive form of martial art that combined wrestling and boxing) and equestrian events (which included chariot races).

Today, there is the summer Olympic Games and the winter Olympic Games.  Many of the games are still the same, but new sports have been added such as golf, basketball, snowboarding and skiing. Athletes now come from different countries to compete in the games, which are held every four years in a different city of the world.

There are several documentary films available at the Library including The First Olympics, and The Official History of the Modern Olympics. There are also DVDs specific to a particular year: Beijing 2008 Highlights, and Vancouver 2010. For a bit of fun, watch Cool Runnings, a feature film loosely based on the Jamaican Bobsled team.

This year the Olympic Games began in London starting July 27.