At the Olympics, athletes promise not to cheat. During the opening ceremonies, one athlete takes an oath on behalf of all athletes to abide by rules that govern the Games.
You can do it
* Find a story in the newspaper about a person who broke a rule. What consequences does he or she face?
* Were other people affected by his or her actions?
* What might be a fair way to deal with this person?
Fair play
Olympism is based on the idea of "fair play." Pierre de Coubertin identified good sportsmanship as a guiding belief. He valued character and sportsmanship over winning.
One of today's most pressing concerns is the use of performance-enhancing drugs by Olympic athletes. The IOC tests athletes for drugs and has the authority to suspend them if the tests are positive.
You can do it
* Use newspapers and references in the library to answer the following:
* What substances are banned by the IOC?
* Do any over-the-counter drugs contain banned substances?
* What is the typical method used to test for drugs?
* Have any new methods of testing been added to the current Games?
* Watch for newspaper reports on drug testing of Olympic athletes
Heroes and heroines
Winners of the ancient Olympic Games were revered as heroes.
One definition of a hero is "a person distinguished for valor, fortitude or bold enterprise; anyone regarded as having displayed great courage or exceptionally noble qualities or who has done a deed or deeds showing him or her to possess such qualities."
Throughout our lives, we meet people whom we admire for different reasons — their intelligence, kindness, accomplishments or successes. We're often drawn to people who have qualities we want to have.
You can do it
* In the newspaper, find an article about or a photograph of someone you admire. List five qualities that person possesses. Explain why you would like to have those qualities.
Women in the Olympic arena
Women's participation in the Games has increased steadily since they were first allowed to compete in golf and tennis at the Olympic Games in 1900.
The United States was represented by three women in 1900 and nearly 300 women in 1996.
Since 1948, the women's sports program has been expanded by the IOC to include some 69 events.
You can do it
* What do you think the future trend is for participation by women? What percent of the competitors do you think will be women?
* What would need to be done to increase the participation rate of women competitors?
* Write a news story or letter to the editor about the participation of women in the Games.
Why here and why not there?
Few human activities, including sports, can take place without impacting and being impacted by the surrounding natural environment in which they take place.
Cities that want to bid for the right to host the Olympic Games must first consider the environment their region has to offer.
You can do it
* What factors might have influenced the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to award the Games to Sydney?
* In what time zone is Sydney located?
* How many hours difference is there between Salt Lake City and Sydney? Between New York City and Sydney?
* What impact will this have on television coverage in the United States and other parts of the world? Will events be shown live or on tape?
