The American Athletes
First modern Olympics opened in Athens, Greece, in 1896. It concluded April 15, 1896. Fourteen countries sent athletes, and events included athletics (some track and field events), gymnastics, wrestling, weightlifting, swimming, tennis, cycling, shooting, and fencing. Women did not compete until 1900, and the first winter Olympics occurred in 1924. Idea: Hold a class-wide Olympics. Include such events as reading and walking at the same time, spelling words associated with the Olympics, and conducting math problems related to sports statistics. Children could visit a website at: Olympics.