UN Peace Movement and Olympic Games

History of the Closing Ceremony London 2012

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Since the beginning of the Ancient Games in 776 BC, athletes were not permitted to march in the Closing Ceremony, but at the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games, a schoolboy had the rules changed. He was not a competitor nor an Olympic official, but he was able to change the protocal of an Olympic ceremony. How was this possible?

UN General Secretary Ban Ki-moon says sport and youth can play a major role in bringing peace to the world.

This story can be included in the School Curriculum to inspire every boy and girl to help bring peace to the world.

The Olympic Report concluded:

"A prophetic image of a new future for mankind - something no-one had ever experienced before - not anywhere in the world, not anywhere in time".

The boy wrote; "War, politics and nationality will be all forgotten, what more could anybody want, if the whole world could be made as ONE nation."

The first International Peace March was held during the 1956 Olympic Closing Ceremony

* Countries boycotted the Games
* Some teams were segregated at the OlympicVillage
* Foreign governments highjack the Games
* A near riot during a water polo match
* The Olympic Movement was being torn apart
* Officials gave up hope of saving the Games.

* A schoolboy wrote a letter that changed the rules of the Games.
* The athletes came together as one nation during the Closing Ceremony
* The 1956 Games became known as the Friendly Games
* The boy remained anonymous for 30 years

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