Page 28 - Resources

2. Show an excerpt of ‘Chariots of Fire’ where Eric Liddell refuses to run on a
Sunday. Discuss this with the children.

3. Explain that physical fitness was very important to the Greeks so every city
state had its own gymnasium where men were trained. They were

strengthened for war. All war stopped when the games were on.

The games were started in 776 BC and continued until 395 AD, being held
every four years. People travelled to Olympia. The games are still held

every four years and the one in 2012 is in London. The modern games were
started in Athens in 1896.

4. Greeks were very competitive. Discuss whether we should be as Christians.
Read the above verse from Philippians.

The Greeks wanted to bring glory and honour upon themselves. Contrast with
Eric Liddell. The purpose of the Olympic Games was to bring honour to Zeus

and to reward good sportsmanship.

5. Take the children into the hall or to a long-jump pit to practise an Olympic
event where the long jumpers had to hold heavy weights in each hand then
jump with them. Measure each child’s jump and talk about good

sportsmanship, encouraging the winners and handling losing.

6. Return to the classroom to talk about the opening ceremony with trumpeters,
speeches and poetry, judges and competitors taking an oath to Zeus. Show

pictures.

7. Let the children complete the table contrasting the ancient and modern
Olympic games.

Learning for Life (Fulfilment)

1. The children will have gained factual knowledge about the ancient and

modern Olympic Games.

2. They will have recognised the benefits of spiritual and physical fitness.

(Greek Grandeur, Hebrew Heart) 26