Social Inclusion Through the Ages: A Look at Social Inclusion Endeavours Through the History of the Olympic Games

Abstract

From the inauguration of the ancient Olympic Games, which are believed to traditionally date back to 776 BCE, up to the most recent Olympics with Beijing 2022, the Olympic Games have been a well-known international affair. Through various moments during its existence, forces of social exclusion have been present towards marginalized groups that include the poor, women and those whose ethnicity or nationality differed from the majority. The goal of this study is to conduct a literary analysis investigating the relationship the International Olympic Committee has with social inclusion in the history of the Olympic Games with regard to the above-mentioned groups. This topic is important to the Olympic Movement because in order to be a progressive and international event, the International Olympic Committee must create ways for all groups to feel like they belong in order to increase participation and awareness.