The Olympics: Excellence, Friendship and Respect

The Olympics: Excellence, Friendship and Respect
Introduction
The Olympics were for many years a great event to unite countries, cultures and outstanding athletes, a display of endurance, strength and dynamics upon the glory of being the first, which is reason enough to attract fanatics around the world every four years, and here we will explore the beginning, reason and effect it causes to us, the spectators. (Jorge Zalazar, 2012)
History
According to historical records, the first ancient Olympics can be trace back to 776 B.C. (before Christ) They were dedicated to the Olympian gods and were stage in the ancient plains of Olympia. They continue for nearly 12 centuries, until Emperor Theodosius decreed in 393 A.D. (Anno Domini, in the year of the lord) that all such “pagan cults” be banned. The Olympic Games were closely linked to the religious festival of the cult of Zeus, aimed to show the physical qualities and evolution of the performance accomplished by young people, as well as encouraging good relation between the cities of Greece. (Ancient Olympic Games.2012) The games were held every four years during august and September and the word “Olympiad”, which referred to the four years interval between competitions, was commonly used to measure time. (Olympic dates and history.2012)
The Games were initially one day event until 684 B.C., when they were extended to three days. In the 5th century B.C., the games were extended again to cover five days. (Ancient Olympic Games.2012) The ancient Greeks considered fire to be a divine element, so a flame was lit using the ray of the sun by a parabolic mirror to ensure purity. The choice of Olympia as a departure point emphasizes the link between the Ancient and Modern Games, traveling around the globe to the next host city of the Olympic Games and overcoming any