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LONDON 1908:
The first time a relay was included in the athletics events.

Home > About the Games > The Olympic Movement

The Olympic Movement

While a great deal is known about the Games themselves, the meaning behind the term used to describe the event - ‘Olympic Games’, or ‘Olympism’ is less well understood.

As introduced in the Olympic Charter (the document that governs the Olympic Games and the Olympic Movement) ‘Olympism’ is defined as a philosophy of life, exalting and combining in a balanced whole the qualities of body, will and mind.

Blending sport with culture and education, Olympism seeks to create a way of life based on the joy of effort, the educational value of good example and respect for universal fundamental, ethical principles.