OLYMPIC SPEAKERS
Viewers around the world have shared in the thrill of the Olympic games since the first airing of the international athletic festival to a world-wide audience in 1956. Because of their universal appeal in the form pf a challenge to the human body’s and spirit’s limits and a deep connection to the feeling of human compassion, the Olympic games have stood the test of time. The symbolic nature of the Olympic rings, the Olympic torch and even the spectacle of the Olympics’ closing ceremonies are all things we cherish.

The Olympics got their start in ancient Greece, where their origins were legendarily attributed to Heracles, the son of the Greek god, Zeus. The tradition of the Olympics was that the often-warring city states of Greece would celebrate days of peace by coming together in the spirit of athleticism. Games included track and field competitions, as well as chariot races and combat. That spiriting of coming together in peace is one of the many messages portrayed through the Olympic rings.

The modern day Olympics are the extension of a revival of the Greek tradition that occurred in the late 19th century. Since that time, the games have been hosted in many different countries, a gesture that the game’s organizers always hope will bring the international community of the world closer together. The Olympics closing ceremony encapsulates that spirit by bringing entertainers, artist, musicians and others into the fold of the comraderie. In 1921 the Winter Olympics were founded in an effort to incorporate winter sports, such as figure skating and hockey, to the tradition. As such, now the Olympic games are staggered every four years, such that every two years either the winter or the summer versions of the Olympics will be held. The Olympic rings remain a symbol of both occasions.

The recent Beijing Olympics, the location of the 2008 Olympics, featured more than 11,000 athletes, who all competed in more than 300 events throughout the two-week span of the event. The 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics will follow, then to be succeeded by the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. Given the amazing amount of effort Olympic athletes put in to training and overcoming their personal struggles, Olympians are excellent speakers for your next event or corporate seminar. Sportsstarsusa.com features many accomplished athletes who are available for speaking engagements.

World champion speed skater Bonnie Blair, one of our speakers, is among the athletes who have added to the American Olympic medal count over the years, and is the only athlete to have won an Olympic gold medal in the same event in three consecutive Olympics. Furthermore, gymnast Kerri Strug is available for speaking appearances, noted for her spectacular Olympic moment, during which she secured a gold medal for her team while landing a vault on an injured ankle. Many other Olympians are available through Sportsstarsusa.com, all of whom are willing and able to share amazing stories about their triumphs, all had along with the glory of Olympic tradition and honor.