Â鶹ԼÅÄ

What are the Olympic Games?

An illustration of a male athlete standing on a podium in first place.

The Olympic Games are a group of sporting events where different countries compete to see who can win at different games and sports. Thousands of athletes from more than 200 teams represent their countries. The country whose athletes win the most gold medals is the winner.

They take place every four years in different countries. In 2024, the Olympics started on Friday 26 July in Paris.

The next Olympic Games will take place in 2028 in Los Angeles.

An illustration of a male athlete standing on a podium in first place.
Back to top

History

How did the Olympics start?

The Olympic Games began over 2,700 years ago. The games started in Olympia in south west Greece.

Every four years, people came from all over the Greek world to watch and take part.

The games were also a religious festival, held in honour of Zeus, the king of the gods.

There were no gold, silver and bronze medals. Winners were given a wreath of leaves and a hero's welcome back home.

Before the games began, messengers were sent out to call off any wars.

Back to top

Geography

Where were the Olympics in 2024?

This year the Olympics were held in Paris. Paris is the capital city of France. France is in Europe. This is the continent you live in. There are around 63 million people living in France.

France isn't as far away as you might think. You can even get there from London by a train that runs under the sea via the Channel Tunnel.

Discover more about France

Back to top

Activity: Quiz

Back to top

Why do we have the Olympics?

The modern Olympics was brought back by Pierre de Coubertin in 1896.

Pierre de Coubertin believed it was very important for people to take up sports to stay fit and healthy.

It was also thought that a competition between countries would help bring people together and help promote peace.

Back to top

Art and Design

Activity: Design a medal

The modern Olympics moves from country to country every 4 years. Each country designs their own special set of medals. Have a go at designing your own set of medals.

Design a medal
Back to top

Why is sport important?

Sport is important because it's a good way of having fun and getting exercise. Exercise helps us keep our bodies strong and healthy.

Back to top

Find out more about how to stay healthy

Staying healthy

A little girl sat on a picnic blanket with food in a park. A man is doing yoga and children are playing football in the background.

Staying healthy
Back to top

More from Â鶹ԼÅÄ Teach

PSHE Proud to be a sportsperson

Gold medallist Helena Lucas stood next to a boat with British Sailing Team written on it.

PSHE Proud to be a sportsperson

Primary PE

An illustration of three children stood on a stage. There is a banner behind them with Summer-themed images and the word Summer written on it.

Primary PE

Assembly- Eric Liddell 1924 Olympics

A photograph of Eric Liddell running with different athletes on a race track at the Paris 1924 Olympics.

Assembly- Eric Liddell 1924 Olympics
Back to top

More on Events beyond living memory

Find out more by working through a topic