Olympic Games such as the Olympic flag and torch, as well as the opening and closing ceremonies. Over 13,000 athletes compete at the Summer and Winter Olympic Games in 33 different sports and nearly 400 events. The first, second, and third-place finishers in each event receive Olympic medals: gold, silver, and bronze, respectively. The Games have grown so much that nearly every nation is now represented. This growth has created numerous challenges and controversies, including boycotts, doping, bribery, and a terrorist attack in 1972. Every two years the Olympics and its media exposure provide unknown athletes with the chance to attain national
Olympic Spirit Group Olympic Spirit Group Based in Geneva, Switzerland, the Olympic Spirit Group is officially licensed by the International Olympic Committee to design, develop and manage Olympic Spirit Centers worldwide. Olympic Spirit seeks to be an icon of Olympic values and ideals, to inspire and motivate the youth of the world to be the best they can be and to contribute to building a peaceful and better world in the Olympic Spirit which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play. Olympic Spirit initiatives are underway in Canada (Vancouver hosts the 2010 Olympic Winter Games), London (host of