Pierre de Coubertin

Abstract Since de Second World War , there has been a substantial increase in the range of events worldwide, varying from single day fetes and fairs to major sporting and cultural festivals. Special events are seen to have the ability to produce a wide range of significant economic and social benefits for communities and regions. In seeking to understand the field of special events, I took as a case study the Olympic Games mega-event. KEYWORDS: special events, Olympic games, mega-events

The Olympic games originated in ancient Greece around the 8th century BC as a contest between city-states. The modern Olympics were re-started in 1896 by Baron Pierre de Coubertin as a competition between the best athletes from each country. Now countries and cities compete to host the Olympic games, which are held every 4 years, with winter and summer games alternating every two years. In submitting their bids the countries are required to show how hosting the games will deliver a positive economic

Games of the Ancient Olympics The Olympics began in ancient Olympia Greece, which lies 10km east of Pirgos, in a valley between Mt. Kronos, the Alfios river, and the Kladeos. This area was inhabited by the Pisans, whose King was Oinomaus. His daughter Hippodameia had married Pelops, and it has been said that the first games were held in their honor around 1000 B.C. Through the years the games began to attract interest in nearby towns. In 776 B.C. , the leader of the Eleians, Iphitos, rededicated

restructured the stadiums, but also the Games themselves. These new Games began to greatly stray from their origins until Emperor Theodosius I, being disgusted with the games, cancel them in 393 AD. The Olympics remained canceled until 1896 when Pierre de Coubertin fought to start the Modern Olympic Games. He did so with the intention of promoting peace, unity, and sportsmanship through athletic competition. He knew politics would be a part of the Games, but not to the extent that they have become. Over

growth of interest in sport in the 19th century, and the organization °f annual and traditional sport competitions, especially between schools and universities, the idea arose of reviving the Olympic Games in the modern world. A Frenchman, Baron Pierre de Coubertin, was the enthusiast whose personal drive and initiative brought about the inauguration of the modern Olympic Games in 1896 with the participation of 311 athletes from thirteen countries, competing in nine sports. At first, the modern Games