The Olympic Hymn

The Olympic Hymn is a choral cantata written in 1894, and performed for the first time during the opening ceremony of the first Olympic Summer Games in 1896 in  Athens, Greece. The International Olympic Committee declared it the official Olympic Anthem in 1958 and has been performed at every Olympic Games since 1960 during the opening and closing ceremonies when the Olympic flag is raised and lowered.

The hymn was written by Greek opera composer Spyridon Samaras, and the lyrics by Greek poet Kostis Palamas. Both poet and composer were selected by Dimetrius Vikelas, the first president of the International Olympic Committee.

Olympian flame immortal Whose beacon lights our way Emblaze our hearts with the fires of hope On this momentous day As now we come across the world To share these Games of old Let all the flags of every land In brotherhood unfold Sing out each nation, voices strong Rise up in harmony All hail our brave Olympians With strains of victory Olympic light burn on and on O'er seas and mountains and plains Unite, inspire, bring honor To these ascending games

May valor reign victorious Along the path of golden way As tomorrow's new champions now come forth Rising to the fervent spirit of the game Let splendour pervade each noble deed Crowned with glory and fame And let fraternity and fellowship Surround the soul of every nation Oh flame, eternal in your firmament so bright Illuminate us with your everlasting light That grace and beauty and magnificence Shine like the sun Blazing above Bestow on us your honor, truth and love

Role of Art in the Olympics

Pierre de Coubertin believed that sport was an aesthetic experience for both athletes and spectators alike. He conceived of the modern Olympic Games as a spectacle that would demonstrate the harmony that existed between sport and art. He called this ideal "eurythmie".

In May 1906 Baron de Coubertin organized a meeting in Paris for both IOC members and representatives of artists' organizations. The meeting ended with a proposal to the IOC to organize artistic competitions at the Olympic Games in five areas - architecture, literature, music, painting, and sculpture. The works of art that were entered had to be inspired by sports.

The Modern Olympic Games became distinguished as a modern spectacle where fine art and folk art merged aesthetically with a large international sport competition. Host cities shared their distinctive cultural heritage with international visitors.

Art competitions formed part of the modern Olympic Games from 1912 until 1948. Medals were awarded for art inspired by sport in the five categories mentioned along side the medals awarded in athletic competition. These juried art competitions were, however, abandoned in 1954 because artists came to be considered 'professionals', while Olympic athletes were required to be 'amateurs'.

Since 1956 the 'Olympic Cultural Program' has taken their place. Art festivals are held all over the Olympic host cities every four years. Unfortunately, the media never mentions them.

Since I learned about this aspect of the Olympics, I have begun adding Olympic stamps that feature art in connection with sport to my collection.