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

38TEACHING VALUES SECTION 2 CELEBRATING THE VALUES THROUGH SYMBOL AND CEREMONY READING The Olympic Truce In ancient times, a truce was declared before every Olympic Games. This truce allowed athletes and spectators to travel in safety. Today, the Olympic Truce Foundation and the International Olympic Committee asks people who are fighting to stop fighting while athletes from the entire family of nations meet under the flame of the Olympic torch. This action is supported by the United Nations. The Athens Games in 2004 promoted the truce and its values around the world during the 2004 Olympic Torch Relay. OTHER SYMBOLS OF PEACE The five Olympic rings symbolise a chain that links all of the continents of the world. During a Games, the flags of all the participating nations fly in the Olympic stadium. Doves, ancient symbols of peace, are released during the ceremonies to bring their message of peace to the nations of the world. Ever since 1936, an Olympic torch, ignited at the site of the ancient Games in Olympia, has been passed from person to person in a national or international Olympic Torch Relay. The Olympic flame represents the spirit of friendship. An Olympic Village provides housing for most athletes, their coaches and personnel. In the Olympic Village athletes sleep, eat, shop and have fun together. They become a family. During the Closing Ceremony, all of the athletes enter the stadium together, showing the unity of sport under the Olympic flag. FOR DISCUSSION Interpret the " truce" symbol above. What birds represent peace in your culture? What other symbols of peace exist in your cultural tradition? What kinds of behaviour cause conflict among people in your school or community? What actions are taken to reduce the conflict? What actions do you think could be taken? Explain your suggestions. " PEACEMAKING REQUIRES TOOLS THAT CAN GIVE THE PARTIES OPPORTUNITIES TO STEP BACK FROM THE FRAY. WHILE LIMITED IN DURATION AND SCOPE, THE OLYMPIC TRUCE CAN OFFER A NEUTRAL POINT OF CONSENSUS, A WINDOW OF TIME TO OPEN A DIALOGUE, A PAUSE TO PROVIDE RELIEF TO A SUFFER-ING POPULATION." ( KOFI A. ANNAN. FORMER SECRETARY- GENERAL OF THE UNITED NATIONS) 5 SYMBOLSOFPEACE EXPLORE SYMBOLS THAT PROMOTE THE OLYMPIC VALUES OF INTERNATIONAL PEACE AND UNITY. Left The symbol of the Olympic Truce Foundation, Athens, Greece. A dove with an olive branch in its mouth is a symbol of peace. Below Sarajevo 1984: Opening Ceremony. During a terrible civil war in the former Yugoslavia, this Olympic Stadium was badly damaged, and converted into a cemetery. This photo reminds us that it is not easy to sustain the Olympic values of peace and harmony. 5 Annan, K. ( 2003). " United Nations and Olympic Truce." Athens: International Olympic Truce Centre and United Nations Information Centre. p. 5.