36TEACHING VALUES SECTION 2 CELEBRATING THE VALUES THROUGH SYMBOL AND CEREMONY READING Every Olympic Games has a special torch that travels on a long journey from the ruins of the site of the ancient Olympic Games to the host city of the modern Olympic Games. The torch lighting ceremony takes place in front of the ruined columns of the temple of Hera in ancient Olympia. The flame is lit by the heat of the sun reflecting off a mirror into the oil in a big cauldron. A torch is lit from the flaming oil, and begins its journey to light the Olympic spirit in other parts of the world. This journey is called a " torch relay". FOR DISCUSSION Notice the women in the photo. They are actresses playing the role of Ancient Greek priestesses. The high priestess reflects the light of the sun from a mirror into the oil in the large bowl or cauldron. Why do you think people who are AboveOlympia 1991: The lighting of the flame in Ancient Olympia for the start of the torch relay of the 1992 Albertville Winter Games. Right Nagano 1998: The Olympic torch has the shape of a traditional Japanese torch. The Olympic rings on the upper part of the torch depict crystallised snow. The handle is wrapped with yellow thread, the colour of royalty. IGNITINGTHESPIRIT: THEOLYMPICFLAME FIRE, FLAMES, TORCHES AND CANDLES HAVE A SPECIAL ROLE IN HUMAN CEREMONIES – INCLUDING THE ANCIENT AND MODERN OLYMPIC GAMES. organising a modern Olympic Games want to use symbols and ceremonies from the ancient Olympic Games? What special events in your community use special flames or fires? For example, when do you use special candles? Or build ceremonial fires? Why do you think fire and light are so important in ceremonies? " THE ATHENS OLYMPICS WILL BE MEANINGFUL EVEN THOUGH I CANNOT PARTICIPATE AS AN ATHLETE, SINCE I CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE OLYMPIC TORCH RELAY ALL OVER THE WORLD." ( CATHY FREEMAN, OLYMPIC MEDALLIST, SYDNEY 2000)

TEACHING VALUES AN OLYMPIC EDUCATION TOOLKIT SECTION 2 CELEBRATING THE VALUES THROUGH SYMBOL AND CEREMONY TEACHING VALUES37 ACTIVITYSHEET Carry out a research project on the ceremonies of the ancient Olympic Games. Design an Olympic torch for a special ceremony in your school or community. Explain the symbolism of your design. Imagine a special fire or light that symbolises friendship and peace. Draw a picture of what you see in your imagination. 1 2 3 Go to the following web site where the Olympic Games torches are pictured: http:// www. olympic. org/ uk/ games/ torino/ to rch_ relay/ full_ story_ uk. asp? id= 1562. Investigate what each one symbolises. 4 Plan a torch relay for a special event in your community that promotes peace and friendship between communities or schools. 5 Far left Sydney 2000: Andrew Bondini ( AUS) carries the torch. Bondini was honoured as a torch bearer for his role as a soldier during the Australian peacekeeping mission in East Timor. Left Sydney 2000: Cathy Freeman ( AUS), 400m Olympic medallist, lights the Olympic cauldron during the Opening Ceremony. CHECKLIST ACTIVITY 1 ACTIVITY 2 ACTIVITY 3 ACTIVITY 4 ACTIVITY 5