The Olympic Movement — Class 10 Health and Physical Education

This chapter traces the story of the Olympic Games from the ancient festivals held at Olympia in Greece to the modern Olympic movement revived by Baron Pierre de Coubertin, who organised the first modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896. It explains the ideals and values of Olympism — excellence, friendship and respect — and the educational philosophy that links sport with culture and the harmonious development of body and mind. The chapter describes the symbols of the Olympic movement: the Olympic flag with its five interlocking rings representing the union of the five continents, the Olympic motto “Citius, Altius, Fortius” (Faster, Higher, Stronger), the Olympic flame and torch relay, the oath and the opening and closing ceremonies. It also explains the structure of the movement, including the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and National Olympic Committees, and the different forms of the Games such as the Summer, Winter and Paralympic Games. The chapter shows how the Olympics promote peace, unity and sporting values across the world.