| Everyone is excited in Great Britain as its largest | | | | figure-skating, ice-hockey and bobsledding are |
| city, London, will be the host city for the coming | | | | featured in the Winter Olympic Games, while |
| Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012. | | | | gymnastics, boxing and cycling are some of the |
| Representing the United Kingdom and the British | | | | events in the Summer Olympics. The Paralympics, |
| flag, London is the only city to date to be the | | | | on the other hand, is especially dedicated for |
| venue of the prestigious gathering of the world's | | | | athletes with disabilities. |
| best athletes for the third time. It hosted for the | | | | With these upcoming events, careful planning is |
| years 1908 and 1948. | | | | being made -- from getting sponsorships, to |
| The Olympic Games has come a long way from | | | | requesting for volunteers, to designating the sites |
| its conception in Olympia, Greece. Before, during | | | | where the games will be played. Such thorough |
| the ancient times of 8th century BC to 5th | | | | preparation is just proper because, surely, Great |
| century AD, the games were combat sports and | | | | Britain will be the world's center of attention, and |
| racing using chariots. Now, the games have | | | | in one magical moment, the world will be united as |
| evolved to fit the ever-changing needs of the | | | | one. As we look at the British flag and the |
| world community. From the four-year gap of | | | | Olympic flag -- both in their own right symbols of |
| each Olympiad to the next, the Winter Olympics | | | | unity -- may we be reminded of the reasons why |
| and the Summer Olympics are played every 2 | | | | these sports are played: not for the games or |
| years. | | | | medals, but for the camaraderie and friendship |
| Each season has a set of games appropriate for | | | | they bring among nations. |
| the climate. For instance, ice and snow sports like | | | | |