Olympia

Olympia, the site of the ancient Olympic Games, is in the western part of the Peloponnese which, according to Greek mythology, is the island of "Pelops", the founder of the Olympic Games. Imposing temples, votive buildings, elaborate shrines and ancient sporting facilities were combined in a site of unique natural and mystical beauty.

Olympia functioned as a meeting place for worship and other religious and political practices as early as the 10th century B.C. The central part of Olympia was dominated by the majestic temple of Zeus, with the temple of Hera parallel to it. The ancient stadium in Olympia could accommodate more than 40,000 spectators, while in the surrounding area there were auxiliary buildings which developed gradually up until the 4th century B.C. and were used as training sites for the athletes or to house the judges of the Games.

The Games and religion

The Olympic Games were closely linked to the religious festivals of the cult of Zeus, but were not an integral part of a rite. Indeed, they had a secular character and aimed to show the physical qualities and evolution of the performances accomplished by young people, as well as encouraging good relations between the cities of Greece. According to specialists, the Olympic Games owed their purity and importance to religion.

Victory ceremonies

The Olympic victor received his first awards immediately after the competition. Following the announcement of the winner's name by the herald, a Hellanodikis (Greek judge) would place a palm branch in his hands, while the spectators cheered and threw flowers to him. Red ribbons were tied on his head and hands as a mark of victory.

The official award ceremony would take place on the last day of the Games, at the elevated vestibule of the temple of Zeus. In a loud voice, the herald would announce the name of the Olympic winner, his father's name, and his homeland. Then, the Hellanodikis placed the sacred olive tree wreath, or kotinos, on the winner's head.

What is the Olympic Program?

The "Olympic Program" is the Program of sports, disciplines and events decided by the IOC for the Games of the Olympiad and the Olympic Winter Games. The Games of the Olympiad must contain at least fifteen Olympic sports. No such minimum exists for the Olympic Winter Games, which are reserved for sports practiced on snow or ice.

Who decides?

The admission or exclusion of a sport falls within the competence of the IOC Session. A decision to include or exclude a discipline or event falls within the competence of the IOC Executive Board.

Basic criteria for events

To be included in the Program for the Olympic Games, an Olympic sport or discipline must fulfill the following criteria: for the Games of the Olympiad, only sports/disciplines widely practiced by men in at least 75 countries and on four continents, and by women in at least 40 countries and on three continents may be included; for the Olympic Winter Games, only sports/disciplines widely practiced in at least 25 countries and on three continents may be included.

An event, being a competition in an Olympic sport or in one of its disciplines and resulting in a ranking, gives rise to the award of medals and diplomas. To be included in the Program, an event must, first and foremost, enjoy a recognized position internationally in both numerical and geographical terms and have featured at least twice in world or continental championships. Sports, disciplines or events in which performance depends essentially on mechanical propulsion are not acceptable.

Timing

Apart from exceptional circumstances, 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.Subject to the agreement of the International Federation concerned and the Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games, the IOC may depart from these time limits in order to include a discipline or event in the Program.

------------Source from Olymipc2008 Official Website