FAQ

GENERAL OLYMPIC FAQs

Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games
Olympic Facts and Figures
USOC General Information
Olympism

When and where are the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games?
The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games will take place in Vancouver and Whistler, British Columbia, Canada, February 12-28, 2010.

What is the origin of the Olympic Games?
The Olympic Games as we know them today have a long history, which goes back to ancient times. Everything started in the Peloponnese, in Greece, some 3,000 years ago. (Click here to read more about the ancient Olympic Games) In 1894, Pierre de Coubertin launched his project to restore the Olympic Games, and in 1896 the first modern Olympic Games took place in Athens. The Games attracted athletes from 14 nations, with the largest delegations coming from Greece, Germany, France and Great Britain.

Why do the Games of the Olympiad take place every four years?
To respect the ancient origins of the Games. At that time, sports competitions were organised in Olympia and were named after their location, i.e. Olympic Games. These Games were held at the same place every four years. This four-year period acquired the name Olympiad, and was used as a date system: time was counted in Olympiads, rather than years.

What is the meaning of the Olympic Rings?
The Olympic symbol consists of five interlaced rings of equal dimensions, used alone, in one or in five different colors, which are, from left to right, blue, yellow, black, green and red. The Olympic symbol (the Olympic rings) expresses the activity of the Olympic Movement and represents the union of the five continents and the meeting of athletes from throughout the world at the Olympic Games. But watch out! It is wrong, therefore, to say that each of the colors corresponds to a certain continent!

What is the Olympic Motto?
The Olympic motto is made up of three Latin words: Citius -Altius - Fortius. These words mean Faster - Higher - Stronger.

What is the Olympic Oath?
The Olympic Oath is one of the rituals of the Olympic Games. It is taken by an athlete from the host country, on behalf of all the athletes.

"In the name of all the competitors I promise that we shall take part in these Olympic Games, respecting and abiding by the rules which govern them, committing ourselves to a sport without doping and without drugs, in the true spirit of sportsmanship, for the glory of sport and the honour of our teams."

The first Athletes' Oath was taken at the Olympic Games in Antwerp in 1920 by Victor Boin, a Belgian fencer. Since 1972, a referee has taken an oath on behalf of all the referees and officials.

Why a torch relay?
In recollection of the origins of the Olympic Games, the flame is lit in Olympia, Greece, some months before the opening of the Games. It is than carried by relay from Olympia to the host city of the Games.

How many sports are there in the Olympics?
There are a total of 45 sports; 37 summer sports and eight winter.  (Click here to see a full list)

What are National Governing Bodies?
National Governing Bodies are organisations that look after all aspects of their individual sports. Each of the 45 Olympic sports have an NGB. The NGBs are responsible for training, competition and development for their sport, as well as nominating athletes to the U.S. Olympic team.