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The Olympic Games are a group of sporting events where different countries compete to see who can win at different games and sports. Thousands of athletes from more than 200 teams represent their countries. The country whose athletes win the most gold medals is the winner.

They take place every four years in different countries. In 2024, the Olympics started on Friday 26 July in Paris.

The next Olympic Games will take place in 2028 in Los Angeles.

The Olympic Games began over 2,700 years ago. The games started in Olympia in south west Greece.

Every four years, people came from all over the Greek world to watch and take part.

The games were also a religious festival, held in honour of Zeus, the king of the gods.

There were no gold, silver and bronze medals. Winners were given a wreath of leaves and a hero's welcome back home.

Before the games began, messengers were sent out to call off any wars.

This year the Olympics were held in Paris. Paris is the capital city of France. France is in Europe. This is the continent you live in. There are around 63 million people living in France.

France isn't as far away as you might think. You can even get there from London by a train that runs under the sea via the Channel Tunnel.

The modern Olympics was brought back by Pierre de Coubertin in 1896.

Pierre de Coubertin believed it was very important for people to take up sports to stay fit and healthy.

It was also thought that a competition between countries would help bring people together and help promote peace.

The modern Olympics moves from country to country every 4 years. Each country designs their own special set of medals. Have a go at designing your own set of medals.

Sport is important because it's a good way of having fun and getting exercise. Exercise helps us keep our bodies strong and healthy.