Olimpiai

Olimpiniai, in Lithuanian usage, refers to the Olympic Games and the broader Olympic Movement. The modern Olympic Games were revived in the late 19th century, drawing on the ancient Games held at Olympia, Greece. The events are organized under the auspices of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which coordinates host city selections, sport programs, and the overall governance of the movement. In Lithuanian, the adjective olimpiniai describes anything related to the Olympics, as in olimpiniai žaidimai (the Olympic Games) or olimpiniai sportai (Olympic sports).

The Games bring together athletes from around the world to compete across a wide range of sports. The Summer and Winter editions are staged on a four‑year cycle, with the Winter Games typically occurring two years after the Summer Games since the historic reform in the 1990s. The Olympic symbol consists of five interlocking rings colored blue, yellow, black, green, and red on a white field, representing the continents and the meeting of athletes from across the globe. The motto Citius, Altius, Fortius (Faster, Higher, Stronger) is closely associated with the movement and its emphasis on excellence and fair play.

Host cities undertake extensive preparations with substantial economic and social impacts, alongside considerations of legacy and sustainability. The Olympic Movement has also faced controversies, including doping, costs, and political boycotts. Beyond the core Summer and Winter Games, the movement includes the Paralympic Games and the Youth Olympic Games, expanding opportunities for athletes with disabilities and younger competitors within olimpiniai frameworks.