The Olympic Games are loved all around the world. An average of 2 billion tune in to watch the likes of Usain Bolt win the 100-metres and Mo Farah claim gold in the 10,000 metres - and that's not including the various sports outside the athletics' stadium.
The Olympic Games originated long ago in ancient Greece. Exactly when the Games were first held and what circumstances led to their creation is uncertain. We do know, however, that the Games were a direct outgrowth of the values and beliefs of Greek society. The Greeks idealized physical fitness and mental discipline.
Leading into the Rio Olympics 2016, here are five reasons why the Olympics is considered a legendary sporting event:
1) The Olympic Games are unique. Athletes from the entire world take part. Their achievements are watched from both near and far by hundreds of millions of spectators. The five rings on the Olympic flag represent the international nature of the Games.
2) The Olympic Games include the Games of the Olympiad (the Summer Games and the Olympic Winter Games). The first edition of the modern Summer Games was held in 1896 in Athens (Greece), and the first Olympic Winter Games in 1924 in Chamonix (France). In the Summer Games, athletes compete in a wide variety of competitions on the track, on the road, on grass, in the water, on the water, in the open air and indoors, in a total of 28 sports. The Winter Games feature 7 sports practiced on snow and ice, both indoors and outdoors.
3) Games are held around the globe. Each edition of the modern Games takes place in principle in a different city and country. In ancient times, the Games were held first on one day and finally over five days. Today the official duration is no more than 16 days.
4) Understanding. Whether through sport, art or culture, everyone can take part in the great celebration of the Olympic Games, which offer an opportunity to open up to and better understand other people.
5) Culture. Nowadays the competitions have been replaced with cultural programs that are completely separate from the sports competitions. Plays, concerts, ballets and exhibitions are held in the city, region and even the country hosting the Games. Numerous artists, designers, architects, choreographers and musicians play an active part in the success of the Games, be it through the construction of stadiums and other competition venues, the Look of the Games (logos, pictograms and mascots) or the opening and closing ceremonies.
All in all the upcoming Rio Olympic Games 2016 will be a great spectacle for all Muslims traveling to Rio de Janeiro.
