Candidate Name: Elroy Canchon
Candidate Number: 1401080100
Centre: Beanefield Comprehensive Secondary School
Subject: Electronic Document Preparation Management
Territory: Saint Lucia
Year of Examination: 2025
Project Title: Assignment 2 (SBA 3)
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Table of Contents
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Section 1: Introduction
The Olympic Games are a global multi-sport event that began in ancient Greece around 776
BCE, originally as a religious festival to honor the god Zeus. These early Games were held
every four years in Olympia, featuring athletic competitions like running, wrestling, and
chariot racing. The ancient Olympics continued for nearly 12 centuries until they were
abolished in 393 CE. The modern Olympics were revived in 1896 by Pierre de Coubertin,
with the first event held in Athens, Greece, featuring 13 countries. Today, the Games occur
every four years, alternating between the Summer and Winter Olympics, and bring together
athletes from around the world to promote peace, unity, and excellence in sport.
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Section 2: Ancient and Modern Olympic Games
Ancient Olympic Games
The ancient Olympic Games originated in Olympia, Greece, around 776 BCE, and were held
in honor of Zeus, the king of the Greek gods. Initially, the competition was limited to a single
event—a footrace known as the "stadium." Over time, additional events were added, such as
wrestling, boxing, chariot racing, and the pentathlon, which included running, jumping,
throwing the discus, wrestling, and a javelin throw. The Games were held every four years,
known as an Olympiad, and attracted athletes from all over the Greek world, who competed
for prestige, prizes, and the favor of the gods.
The ancient Olympics were more than just athletic competitions; they were a religious and
cultural festival, with rituals and sacrifices to honor Zeus. The Games were a unifying event
for the Greek city-states, temporarily halting wars and conflicts during the period of the
Games, known as the Olympic Truce. The Olympics continued for nearly 12 centuries, until
393 CE, when Roman Emperor Theodosius I banned pagan festivals, including the Olympics,
as part of his efforts to promote Christianity. Despite this, the legacy of the ancient Olympic
Games endured and eventually inspired the revival of the modern Olympic Games in 1896.
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Modern Olympic Games
The Modern Olympic Games were revived in 1896, thanks to the efforts of French educator
Pierre de Coubertin, who believed that international sporting competition could foster peace
and unity. The first Games took place in Athens, Greece, with 13 countries participating in 43
events across nine sports. Over time, the Olympics expanded to include athletes from around
the world, representing both individual and team sports, and the Games became a global
celebration of athletic excellence. The Summer and Winter Games are now held every four
years, with cities across the world vying to host the prestigious event.
The modern Olympics have grown significantly since their inception, both in scale and in the
number of sports featured. They now encompass a wide range of events, from traditional
athletics to newer sports like snowboarding and skateboarding. The Olympics are a symbol of
international cooperation and cultural exchange, with athletes competing not only for medals
but also for the opportunity to bring pride to their countries. The Games also focus on
promoting values such as fair play, respect, and unity among nations, despite political or
cultural differences.
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Section 3: The Olympic Symbols
1. Olympic Rings: The Olympic Rings represent the union of the five inhabited
continents—Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania—and the meeting of
athletes from around the world at the Olympic Games. The five rings are interlocked,
symbolizing unity and friendship between nations. The colors (blue, yellow, black,
green, and red) along with the white background were chosen because at least one of
these colors appears on every national flag in the world.
2. Olympic Flame: The Olympic Flame is a symbol of the light of spirit, knowledge,
and life. It is lit during the opening ceremony of each Olympic Games, traditionally at
the Temple of Hera in Olympia, Greece, and carried to the host city through the torch
relay. The flame represents the continuity between the ancient and modern Olympic
Games, and its presence signifies the beginning of the Games. The lighting of the
flame is a moment of great ceremony, emphasizing the ideals of peace and global
unity.
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Section 4: Types of Olympics
Summer Olympics
The Summer Olympics are the flagship event of the Olympic Games, held every four years,
typically in late summer, and feature a wide range of sports. The first modern Summer
Olympics took place in 1896 in Athens, Greece, with 13 countries competing in 43 events.
Over the years, the Summer Olympics have grown to include a diverse array of sports, from
traditional athletics like running and swimming to newer sports like skateboarding and
surfing. The Games bring together athletes from across the world, fostering international
unity and peace through competition. The Summer Olympics are often seen as a celebration
of athletic achievement, national pride, and the Olympic values of excellence, respect, and
friendship. Each host city provides its own unique cultural and historical backdrop, making
every Summer Olympics a distinct event in the history of the Games.
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Winter Olympics
The Winter Olympics is a global multi-sport event held every four years, featuring sports that
take place on snow and ice. First held in 1924 in Chamonix, France, it includes competitions
in sports like skiing, snowboarding, ice hockey, figure skating, and luge. Athletes from
countries around the world compete for gold, silver, and bronze medals in their respective
events.
The games typically last about two weeks and are hosted in a different city each time, with
the International Olympic Committee (IOC) overseeing the event. The Winter Olympics
showcase not only athletic excellence but also international camaraderie, as athletes from all
over the world come together to compete and celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship.
The next Winter Olympics will be in 2026, hosted by Milan-Cortina in Italy.
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Section 5: The International Olympic Committee
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is the governing body responsible for
overseeing the organization and operation of the Olympic Games. Founded in 1894 by Pierre
de Coubertin, the IOC is based in Lausanne, Switzerland, and is tasked with ensuring the
development and promotion of the Olympic movement globally. The IOC’s mission is to
encourage peace, understanding, and unity through sports, while upholding the Olympic
values of excellence, friendship, and respect.
Major Roles and Functions of the IOC:
1. Organization of the Olympic Games: The IOC coordinates and supervises the
planning, organization, and execution of both the Summer and Winter Olympic
Games, which are held every four years in different cities around the world.
2. Promotion of the Olympic Charter: The IOC works to uphold the Olympic Charter, a
set of rules and guidelines that govern the structure and operation of the Olympic
movement, ensuring consistency, fairness, and transparency across all aspects of the
Games.
3. Selection of Host Cities: One of the IOC’s primary responsibilities is to select the host
cities for the Olympic Games through a competitive bidding process. The committee
evaluates cities based on various criteria, such as infrastructure, public support, and
legacy potential.
4. Support of National Olympic Committees (NOCs): The IOC provides financial and
organizational support to the National Olympic Committees (NOCs) of individual
countries, helping them prepare athletes for international competition.
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5. Promotion of Olympic Values: The IOC is dedicated to promoting the values of
Olympism, including fair play, respect for others, and the development of athletes in a
spirit of peace and mutual understanding.
6. Encouragement of Youth Participation in Sports: Through programs like the Youth
Olympic Games and various outreach initiatives, the IOC works to engage young
people in sports, aiming to develop the next generation of Olympians.
7. Sponsorship and Funding: The IOC is responsible for securing sponsorships and
partnerships, which help fund the Olympic Games and support Olympic-related
programs and initiatives around the world.
St. Lucia Olympic Committee
History and Overview:
The St. Lucia Olympic Committee (SLOC) was established in 1981 with the aim of
overseeing and supporting the development of Olympic sports in St. Lucia. It serves as the
official body responsible for managing St. Lucia’s participation in the Olympic Games,
ensuring that athletes from the island are properly prepared for international competitions.
The SLOC operates as a liaison between St. Lucia’s government, sports federations, and the
International Olympic Committee (IOC), ensuring alignment with Olympic standards and
values.
Function:
The primary function of the St. Lucia Olympic Committee is to support and manage the
participation of St. Lucia’s athletes in the Olympic Games, as well as other regional and
international competitions. The committee is also responsible for promoting the development
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of Olympic sports in the country, providing resources, training, and funding for athletes and
sports organizations.
Key functions include:
Organizing the participation of St. Lucia’s athletes in the Summer and Winter
Olympic Games.
Supporting sports development programs across a range of disciplines.
Promoting the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect within the
country.
Collaborating with other National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and international
sports organizations.
Facilitating the growth of youth sports programs to foster the next generation of
athletes.
Structure:
The structure of the St. Lucia Olympic Committee is composed of various components:
President: The president is the leader of the committee, providing overall direction
and leadership.
Board of Directors: A group of elected members who oversee the operations and
strategic goals of the SLOC.
General Assembly: This body consists of representatives from the national sports
federations in St. Lucia and meets regularly to discuss key issues and policies related
to sports development and Olympic participation.
Executive Secretary/Staff: This administrative team handles the day-to-day
operations, including logistics, communications, and organizing events.
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Members:
The SLOC is made up of the representatives from St. Lucia’s national sports federations,
each of which governs a particular Olympic sport in the country. These federations
collaborate with the SLOC to promote their sports, organize competitions, and ensure that
athletes receive the necessary training and support to compete at international levels.
The committee also works closely with the Government of St. Lucia, which provides
financial and logistical support for the country's participation in the Olympic Games and
other international competitions. Additionally, partnerships with private organizations and
sponsors help support the SLOC’s initiatives.
In summary, the St. Lucia Olympic Committee plays a vital role in advancing St. Lucia’s
Olympic presence, from the management of athletes’ participation in the Games to the
development of local sports programs. Its collaboration with the IOC and national
organizations is central to the committee’s mission of promoting sports and fostering athletic
excellence in St. Lucia.
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Section 6: St Lucia’s Participation in Olympics
Year Venue/Country Participant(s) Sporting Discipline
1984 Los Angles, USA Michael St. Rose Track and Field (Athletics)
1996 Atlanta, USA Alva Baptiste Track and Field (Athletics)
2000 Sydney, Australia Kerrie-Ann Joseph Swimming
2008 Beijing, China Levern Spencer High Jump (Athletics)
Sources:
1. St. Lucia Olympic Committee (n.d.). St. Lucia Olympic history. Retrieved from
www.sloc.org
2. Olympic.org (n.d.). St. Lucia at the Olympic Games. Retrieved from
www.olympic.org
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Bibliography
Chatgpt.com
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