The Winter Olympics

When did the Winter Olympics begin?

The idea of a separate Winter Olympics was first proposed in 1921. In 1924, a competition called
International Winter Sports Week was held in France. It was a great success and later became known as the first Winter Olympics.

Since that time, the Winter Olympics have been staged every four years except in 1940 and 1944 because of World War II. Until 1986 the Winter Games were held in the same year as the Summer Olympics. Since then they have been held in different years.

Who organises the Games?

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) selects the host city for the Games and approves the sports in which the athletes compete. The IOC also sets the rules for competition and says who has the right to show the Games on television.

Who can compete?

Athletes from any country are able to compete in the Olympics but they must first be selected by the Olympic Committee in their own country.

Where will the Winter Games be held in 2002?

The XIX (19th) Winter Olympics will be held in Salt Lake City, USA from 8 - 24 February 2002 .

2,345 athletes and officials from 80 nations will attend the Games.

Male and female athletes will compete in the following events:
Biathlon, Curling, Ice Hockey, Luge, Snowboarding
Figure Skating, Speed Skating, Alpine & Nordic Skiing,
Freestyle Skiing,

Bobsleigh is an event for men only.

Find out about Baron Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic Games

A Winter Olympics Quiz here
click on the name of a sport for information about it

go here for the education site for the 2002 Games in Salt Lake City

If you use any of this information in your own work acknowledge this source in your bibliography like this:
The Winter Olympics (2001). [Online], Available: www.kidcyber.com.au

updated February 2002