olimpiákon

Olimpiákon, or the Olympic Games, is an international sporting event featuring summer and winter sports competitions in which thousands of athletes from around the world participate. The modern Olympics originated in 1896, inspired by the ancient Greek Olympic Games held in Olympia from the 8th century BC to the 4th century AD. The International Olympic Committee (IOC), founded in 1894, oversees the organization of the Games, which are held every four years, alternating between the Summer and Winter Olympics.

The Summer Olympics include a wide range of sports such as athletics, swimming, gymnastics, and team sports like soccer and basketball. The Winter Olympics focus on snow and ice-based activities, including skiing, ice hockey, and figure skating. Each edition of the Games is hosted by a different city, chosen through a bidding process. The host city is responsible for organizing venues, accommodations, and logistics to ensure a successful event.

The Olympics feature both individual and team competitions, with medals awarded to the top three finishers in most events. Gold medals are given to the winners, silver to the second-place finishers, and bronze to those in third place. The Games also include cultural events, such as the Olympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies, which celebrate global unity and sportsmanship.

The Olympic movement promotes peace, excellence, and the pursuit of human potential. The motto of the Olympics, *"Citius, Altius, Fortius – Communiter"* ("Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together"), reflects its ideals of progress and cooperation. The Games have grown significantly since their inception, becoming a major global spectacle with broad cultural and economic impact.