Citius Altius Fortius

Citius Altius Fortius. . , The ultimate origin of the ancient Olympic Games is lost in the prehistoric past. In the ninth century before the Christian Era the young men of Greece were already accustomed to gather on the sacred grounds of Olympia to honor their god Zeus by athletic contests of purity secular ideals of manhood. None loftier have been given to humanity than those of the ancient Olympic contests, which extolled clean living, clean thinking, and clean sportsmanship above all other virtues. The contests flourished during the period while Greek civilization was attaining its highest development. In 394 A.D. the games were abolished by the Emperor Theodosius. The cause of peace and international goodwill receive a powerful ally when in 1896, the Olympic Games were revived at Athens, Greece. For this the world is indebted to Baron Pierre de Coubertin, of France, who in 1982 first urged a new era in international sport for the inoculation of those traits of noble manhood that distinguished the ancient Greek festivals. With each succeeding Olympiad these games have gained in significance and appeal until they are now a potent influence in the promotion of world friendship.