Olympic Games 2012

To introduce the Olympic values (SEAL theme: Motivation).

by Jude Scrutton

Suitable for Whole School (Sec)

Aims

To introduce the Olympic values (SEAL theme: Motivation).

Preparation and materials

• Download any video on the Internet or on the BBC website about the Olympic Games and its message, for instance, there is one on the BBC website that introduces the number of nations and athletes taking part. Go to: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/olympic_games/world_olympic_dreams/9404959.stm
• For further information about the Olympic and Paralympic values see: http://getset.london2012.com
• ‘The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph, but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered, but to have fought well.’ (From the Olympic Committee website)

Assembly

1. Show the students the video on the Olympic Games (see ‘Preparation and materials’). (Before showing the video, you may like to add that afterwards there will be a quiz based on this video.) It is suggested on the website that you ask:
   
   –  How many countries will compete at the Olympics?
   –  How many athletes will be taking part?
   –  How many people can fit into the Olympic Stadium?
   –  How many sports are part of the Olympic and Paralympic Games?
   –  How many can you name?
   –  Do you already take part in any of these sports?
   –  How many Olympic gold medals will be awarded at the Games?
   –  Can you name any sports that will be new to the Olympics in 2012?
   –  Where are the other Olympic events taking place outside London and which sports will take place there?
   –  Which sport would you most like to see at the Olympics?
2. Discuss the fact that thousands of athletes of all colours and creeds will meet in one city to compete and perform in an attempt to reach their personal goals and personal bests.
   
   Say that at the core of the Olympic and Paralympic Games there are seven universal principles or values. These values underpin the games and bind the athletes. They sum up the Olympic creed.
   
   Ask if anyone knows what these values are.
3. There are three Olympic values along with four Paralympic values. These are
   
   Olympic values
   –  respect: fair play; knowing one’s own limits; taking care of one’s health and the environment
   –  excellence: how to give the best of oneself, on the field of play or in life; taking part and progressing according to one’s own objectives
   –  friendship: how through sport to understand each other despite any differences
   
   Paralympic values
   –  courage
   –  determination
   –  inspiration
   –  equality
   
   The Get Set network has a video about these values if you wish to explore them in more detail (see ‘Preparation and materials’).
4. Discuss the fact that athletes can sometimes lose sight of these values and deny them by cheating and taking drugs.
5. Discuss how all the major world faiths also teach us to live life to help others and to be the best we can be.
   
   Sometimes in life we can make mistakes and forget these values but it is never too late to get back on the right path.

Time for reflection

Music