The Olympic Truce
The first Olympic Games were held in Ancient Greece in 776 B.C. According to a Greek myth, a king asked for advice on how to end wars that were destroying his kingdom. He was told to hold an athletic contest in Olympia every four years, and to declare a truce for the length of the contest. A truce is the temporary stopping of fighting. During this time, armies were not allowed to enter Olympia and wars were stopped. The athletes, their families, and ordinary citizens could travel in safety to the Olympic Games. Thus began the tradition of the Olympic Truce, or Ekecheiria.
Today, the Olympic Truce is the longest-lived tradition of international law in the history of the ancient and modern world. The Truce instructs all nations to follow the athletes’ example and put their political differences aside for at least the length of the Games. The point of the Truce is to create an opportunity for peace. The Truce provides a time and a place where conflicts can be set aside and the culture of peace can be spread. The Truce supports the Olympic ideals of peace, friendship, and understanding in the world.
TLX News Activity:
Canadians are being asked to get involved in the 2010 Olympic Truce by uploading photos and description of their daily lives to the official Vancouver 2010 Web site. You can get involved by responding to the same question: In your life or community, how do you “Make Your Peace?” Include words and/or photos in your answer.
