The build up to the 2012 London Olympics provides an excellent hook to engage students all round the world in learning about Britain. I have already written many pages on Britain and will be adding more and linking the resources to the Olympic theme.
The 2012 Summer Olympic Games, officially known as the Games of the XXX Olympiad or "London 2012 Olympic Games", are scheduled to take place in London, England, United Kingdom from 27 July to 12 August 2012.[1] London will become the first city to officially host the modern Olympic Games three times,[2][3] having previously done so in 1908 and in 1948.[4][5]
London was selected as the host city on 6 July 2005 during the 117th IOC Session in Singapore, defeating Moscow, New York City, Madridand Paris after four rounds of voting.[6] The successful bid was headed by former Olympic champion Sebastian Coe.
When will the London Olympics take place?
The 2012 Summer Olympic Games will be held in London from 27 July to 12 August 2012, followed by the 2012 Paralympic Games from 29 August to 9 September.
How many times has London hosted the Olympics?
London hosted the Olympic games in 1908 and 1948.
How many countries are expected to take part in the London 2012 Olympics?
We expect 205 nations to take part in 300 events at the Olympic Games in 2012. 147 nations will take part in the Paralympic Games.
The Olympic Rings are five interlocking rings that stand for the five original continents, (Africa, America, Asia, Australia, and Europe) and the athletes from around the world.
The colours of the rings are blue, yellow, black, green, and red respectively. They were chosen because at least one of these colours is found on the flag of every nation.
On the Olympic flag, the rings appear on a white background.
At the Olympic Games, the flag is brought into the stadium during the opening ceremony. After its arrival, the flag is hoisted up the flagpole. It must fly in the stadium during the whole of the Games. When the flag is lowered at the closing ceremony, it signals the end of the Games.
The 26 Olympic sports at London 2012 will be:
- Aquatics
- Archery
- Athletics
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Boxing
- Canoe and Kayak
- Cycling
- Equestrian
- Fencing
- Football
- Gymnastics
- Handball
- Hockey
- Judo
- Modern Pentathlon
- Rowing
- Sailing
- Shooting
- Table Tennis
- Taekwondo
- Tennis
- Triathlon
- Volleyball
- Weightlifting
- Wrestling
more info to come when it starts!