The Olympic Games bring the world together through competition and teamwork. The Olympic Games began in 776 BCE (Before Common Era) in Olympia, Greece. These "Ancient Games" were held every four years to honor the Greek god Zeus, but they stopped in 393 CE (Common Era) when a Roman Emperor banned them. 1,500 years later- in 1896, the "Modern Games" began in Athens, Greece. Since then, the Olympics have only paused a couple of times, specifically during World War II when the games for 1940 and 1944 were canceled because of the fighting. As the event grew, a separate competition for snow and ice sports called the Winter Olympics began in 1924 in Chamonix, France.
The Summer Olympics and the Winter Olympics are still held every four years. They are staggered now so that one is held every two years, ensuring there is always an upcoming event to look forward to.
From to sunny summer competitions like track and field, swimming, gymnastics, basketball, soccer, and volleyball to icy winter events such as skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, hockey, and bobsledding, the Olympics highlight the dedication, skill, and spirit of athletes from around the world.
The Winter Olympics are currently happening in Milan, Italy. You can view the schedule here.
The Paralympic Winter Games will be held March 6-15, 2026.
The Paralympic Games are a major international sports competition for athletes with disabilities. They are held every two yearsâalternating between Summer Paralympics and Winter Paralympicsâand take place shortly after the Olympic Games in the same host city.
Many Paralympic sports are adapted versions of Olympic events.
Summer Paralympics include sports such as wheelchair basketball, swimming, cycling, archery, and track and field. [britannica.com]
Winter Paralympics feature sports such as para-alpine skiing, para biathlon, para crossâcountry skiing, para snowboarding, para ice hockey, and wheelchair curling.
Together, the Olympic and Paralympic Games represent the very best of global sportsmanship, determination, and unity. From the ancient competitions in Olympia to todayâs modern Summer and Winter Games, athletes from around the world continue to push the limits of strength, skill, and resilience. Whether on sunâlit tracks, snowy mountains, or adapted sport arenas, these Games remind us that dedication, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence are universal values that bring nationsâand peopleâtogether.