The modern Olympic Games or 'Olympics' are the leading international multi-sport event in which thousands of athletes from more than 200 countries participate. The introduction of modern Olympic Games was inspired by the ancient Olympic Games which were held as religious and athletic festivals in Olympia, Greece, from the 8th century BC to 4th Century AD. Baron Pierre de Coubertin, from France, is known as the inventor of the modern Olympics. The International Olympics Committee (IOC) is the governing body of the Olympic Movement, established in 1894. As the decision maker, the IOC is responsible for choosing the host city for each competition and also organizes funds for the games as per the Olympic Charter. It is supported by the International Sports Federations (IFs) and National Olympics Committee.
There are eight categories of Olympic Games, organized by IOC:
- Olympics (Summer & Winter) –The first modern Summer and Winter Olympics were held in Athens, Greece in 1896 & Chamonix, France in 1924, respectively.
- Paralympic Games (Summer & Winter) –These are organized for athletes with disability. The first Summer and Winter Paralympic were held in Rome in 1960 and Örnsköldsvik, Sweden in 1976, respectively.
- Youth Olympic Games (Summer & Winter) –These are organized for teenage athletes (between 14 to 18 years). The first Summer and Winter Youth Olympics were organized in Singapore in 2010 and Austria in 2012.
- Special Olympics (Summer & Winter) –These are organized for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The first Summer and Winter Special Olympics were held in Chicago, U.S. in 1968 and Colorado, U.S. in 1977, respectively.
