Olympics: 1610, "of or in ref. to Olympos, also Olympia (khora), " town or district in Elis in ancient Greece, where athletic contests in honor of Olympian Zeus were held 776 B.C.E. and every four years thereafter, from Gk. Olympikos, from Olympos, of unknown origin. The modern Olympic Games are a revival, begun in 1896. Not the same place as Mount Olympus, abode of the gods, which was in Thessaly. The name was given to several mountains, each seemingly the highest in its district.
Many of you reading this are familiar with my family and our love of sports. And because I value you as a reader and the simple fact that I want you to come back I won't bore you with the athletic details that make up my life. With that being said, I wanted to share with you a paper that I helped my 15 year old son add some final touches (I added the pics & a few words) to tonight for a term paper that is due tomorrow. I'm very proud of what he accomplished with this paper. I hope you enjoy and well done Bryce.
(Overtime loss to Bexley... Bryce scored 19 points)
Sport & Athletic Competition
Bryce Bailey
Period 4
5-11-11
Capstone Project
How do you think sport
and athletic competition alters a person’s life? The initial thought that comes to mind when pondering that question is to think in current terms and in
current events. Many of us think of history as something that happened last
week, but when you research the topic of sports one realizes that sports have
been around “forever” and they have been changing and altering people’s lives
for quite some time. Sport has been visible and valuable since pre historic
times, and vital to communities and villages as far back as 1500 B.C. I believe
sports, from when they began to 1500 B.C, were more than just playing a simple
game to people during these times. In Ancient Times sports had four unique and
distinctive phases: Prehistoric Age, historic Greece, ancient
Italy, and the Byzantine Empire. All of these eras were the starting point for
many, if not all, the sports we participate in and view today. During the Ancient
Times sports were a very intricate part of society that had military, political
and social ramifications. Sport has played a significant role in the evolution
of humanity and with the change of cultures throughout societies in the world.
Roman bronze reduction of Myron's Discobolos, 2nd century CE
The
Prehistoric Age was the beginning of sports, as we know it. Although sports
have change throughout the years, the roots of sports traces back to this time
period. The games that were played within in the sport were, according to europeanvirtualmuseum.net “a physical or intellectual
form of organized activities.” Games were mostly played to display physical and
mental strength, education, the unity of the society or culture, and of course,
for fun and to relax. Military and recreational aspects played a big role in
sports as well, according to Nigel B. Crowther in his book Sports in Ancient
Times. The military outlook on sports was simply to keep the participants,
playing the game, in shape physically and mentally. Prehistoric Egypt and other
river-valley civilizations such as Samaria, Mesopotamia, and Persia are all
important examples of sports, and its social significance and importance, in
Prehistoric Times.
Usain Bolt
The next significant era in sports was historic
and ancient Greece. Greece’s value and importance is primarily due the fact
that the first Olympic Games were held there. The games began in 776 B.C. in
Olympia and were held there until 393 B.C. They were said to have started there because
of Greece’s love of sports and competition, according to www.infoplease.com/ce6/sports/A0860127.html.
The games were held in honor of the
Greek God, Zeus. Games such as boxing, wrestling, chariot racing, javelin, and
field events such as high jump and running events were the main areas of
competition. Studies have shown that during this time the Olympics were
somewhat exclusive. Only free men, who spoke Greek, were allowed to compete in
the games. Although this was an unfortunate circumstance, I still believe the experience
of the Olympics unified Greek society by allowing people to gather focusing on
athletic competition and encouraging participation of the times greatest
athletes. Another downside to the
Olympics during this time was the fact that women were not only aloud to
participate in the games, but weren’t permitted to be a spectator. Women,
during this time, made the best of this situation and started games of their
own called Heraea. Finally, sports during this were a reflection of the society
they were played in, simply because the rules and regulations of that society
usually had the biggest impact on the sport itself.
The Ancient Italy era of sports was also a
notable time in history. Ancient Italian sports involved mostly chariot racing
and gladiator fights. Gladiator fights were primarily to entertain the audience
and the politicians. These fights usually involved slaves who were trained to
fight. Many today would say it was a terrible thing to do and people shouldn’t
have supported this behavior. Although I agree with that opinion, I believe
that sport during this time was the beginning of a revolution in sports based
on violence and real life drama resulting in increased excitement for the
spectators.
Young
girl winning chariot race, engraving from red-figure Greek vase
The last era of sport that I would like to
look at is the Byzantine Empire. During this time chariot racing was as popular
as it was in Roman times and was the sport of the day. Chariot racing was
exciting but viewed as a dangerous sport often leaving the rider and horse dead.
The chariot race still remained popular as it is still believed today that it
was the sporting event that founded the Olympics Games. It was also during the
Byzantine Empire that the Olympics were ended in 393 A.D. in an attempt to end
paganism and to promote Christianity and Christian values.
John Wooden
Throughout time sports has been a catalyst for
social change, political maneuvering and military prowess. Within each time period,
and ancient empire, there is evidence supporting the value of athletic
endeavors and the importance of individual competition. Athletic competition
was as good for the body, as it was for the mind and soul. Much like today, “Gods”
were discovered and legends were created, and because of this people were
inspired and encouraged by the level of skill an athlete could display in
competition for all spectators to see. In the end, sports and athletic
competition inspires and encourages people. It can alter a person’s life
physically, socially and financially, but ultimately sports are about character.
The great John Wooden once said; “Sports do not build character, they reveal
it.” I couldn’t agree more.
Bryce #22
bcb . 16.5.11
932
932
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