The Significance and Impact of the Olympic Games Essay

The Significance and Impact of the Olympic Games - Essay Example which were core elements of Greek military training (Wilson, 2000). The games were considered of such importance that thousands of people would turn up to see the games even when there is war like situation in the region. During such sporting events, all concerned were bound by the Olympic spirit and allowed competitors to travel safely to the venue of the games. This spirit has continued over the years. The ancient games continued till about 393 BC when they were banned, but the sporting spirit once again made sure that another edition of the games began in late 19th Century AD. The history of modern Olympic movement can be traced back to 1896 when the first Olympic Games of the modern era were held in Athens. The recently held Beijing Olympic games is still fresh in the memory of all of us for the spectacular show put forth by the Chinese organisers and the intense competition that took place within the sporting arena. The Olympic Charter states1, "Olympism is a philosophy of life, exalting and combining in a balanced whole the qualities of body, will and mind. Blending sport with culture and education, Olympism seeks to create a way of life based on the joy found in effort, the educational value of good example and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles." This in essence sums up the spirit behind the Olympic movement. The Olympic Charter, established by Pierre ... rimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit, which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play." The Olympic charter helps in governing the organisation and running of the Olympic movement and sets the requisite terms and conditions for hosting the games. The games are therefore organised with such a spirit that irrespective of the nationality of winners and losers, the games leave such an imprint on all the competitors that they forget all their competitive rivalry and make room for the sportsmanship. London won the hosting rights for the 2012 Olympic Games after a comprehensive and prolonged procedure followed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in line with the Olympic Charter (Chapter 5, Rule 34 and its bye-law - page 70). This procedure basically comprises of two phases; Phase 1: Applicant Cities - under this phase the applicant cities are asked to respond to a detailed questionnaire, which are then evaluated by the IOC to finalise the candidate cities eligible to compete in the second phase. Phase 2: Candidate Cities - under this phase the candidate cities are asked to come out with a candidature file detailing their plans, following the instructions given by the IOC. Each file is then analysed by the IOC Evaluation Commission and a final report is prepared with a list of cities ready for being voted as the chosen one. The summer Olympic Programs are supposed to contain a minimum of fifteen events decided by the IOC. Except in cases of unforeseen circumstances3, 'the Program of sports and disciplines is finalized seven years before each Olympic Games, and the Program of events is finalized four years before the Games'. London has also undergone through a lengthy procedure and finally on 6th July 2005, the