Olympic games

Baron pieere de Coubertin- Weathly young frenchman when he had a vision of using sport to educate young people and bring them together as a way of increasing international understanding.

Backround- adopted the thics and values of the nineteenth centuary english public schools which were summed up in the latin saying, mens sana in corpore sano- a sounds mind in healthy body, modern games was strictly for ameturs who took part for the love of their sport and to test themselves against well respected opponents.

Amateurism- Taking part was more important than winning, becasue society expected gentlemen to be all good all rounders rather than expert specilists. The modern olympics were exclusively for the middle and upper classes.

Fair play- practising or training was considered almost as bad as cheating aas it meant you valued winning more than simply taking part. Professionals were thought to have an unfair advantage over those who participated as a hobby.