INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC ACADEMY 7th JOINT - IOA

duty in life is not to win but to make a brave effort. The most
fundamental principle is not to conquer but to challenge fairly.
If we look at this topic in detail, it can become obvious that the
Olympic Games is mixed with culture and ethics. As mentioned
earlier, the foundation of the ancient Games was based on ethics,
culture and religion. Perceiving just sport in the Olympic Games is a
superficial image.
Cultural Evidence of the Olympic Games
1) Ancient Olympia was a religious site long before the first recorded
games of 776 BC. Excavations reveal that the age of the sanctuary
dates back before 1300 BC. It was a holy place. Zeus was god of
gods and he was respected by all people. Gods were the
manifestation of power and wisdom and it was the desire of every
Greek to access God. For this reason, they had to try hard and
avoid laziness, sluggishness, etc. In accordance with this belief,
hard work and effort was a component of their culture.
2) Principally, becoming the host of the Olympic Games for each
country is a great success. The countries which want to obtain
hosting, prepare for a long time. A country which achieves this
goal, finds the best opportunity to introduce its culture and
customs. Before and during the Games the host city introduces
civilization and culture by use of mass media. In this way, other
countries become familiar with the culture of the host.
3) During organizing the Games, athletes with different cultures
gather together. The way of wearing clothes, speaking, social
behaviour, expressing feelings, etc are representative of their
culture. This leads to the participants becoming familiar with both
the host’s and other countries’ culture. Therefore every athlete in
this gathering is trying to introduce his/her culture to others.
4) In the opening ceremony the host city does its best to introduce its
culture, civilization and customs. The organizing of songs,
concerts, wearing local clothing etc, obviously show the culture of
the host.
5) In designing the Olympic village, stadiums, gymnasiums and
decoration, they use historical and cultural backgrounds.
- 455 -