Wenlock Olympian Games

The Wenlock Olympian Society Annual Games from 1850 are a forerunner of the modern Olympic Games. They are held annually in Much Wenlock ( Shropshire, England).

History

On February 25, 1850, the Wenlock Agricultural Reading Society has decided to do something for the improvement of physical and mental constitution of its own people. For this, the The Olympian Class was founded. The Secretary of the Society and the driving force behind the " Olympic Games Wenlocker " was Dr. William Penny Brookes.

The first meeting took place on the Wenlocker Racecourse on 22 and 23 October 1850. The first games were a mix of athleticism and traditional sports such as quoits ( ring throwing), football and cricket. But even competitions such as wheelbarrow races were held.

In 1860 the Wenlock Olympian Society was founded.

Baron Pierre de Coubertin visited the Olympic Society in 1890, which held a special celebration in his honor. He was inspired by Dr. Brookes establishing the International Olympic Committee. Brookes in 1894 named as the guest of honor at the founding congress of the IOC, although he was unable to attend for health reasons.

The Wenlocker Olympic Games after the death Brookes 1895 only occasionally performed with revivals in 1950 and 1977. The current series has been running since 1977, and was officially recognized by the IOC and the British Olympic Association (BOA), particularly through visits by Her Royal Highness Princess Anne in 1990 for the BOA and Juan Antonio Samaranch in 1994 for the IOC.

One of the two mascots for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London was named in honor of the games in Wenlock Wenlock.