ROUND 1: HISTORICAL HEADACHE
SUMMER: If age is a virtue, then the Summer Olympic Games has its wintery brother beat. In fact, the Summer Games are the “original” Olympics, dating as far back as 776 BC when the first games are believed to have been held in ancient Greece. The first modern Summer Games returned to Athens in 1896.
WINTER: Meanwhile, it wasn’t until 1924 – a full 28 years later – that the first modern Winter Olympic Games were hosted in Chamonix, France, and, like all little brothers, they were easy to beat up (with only 16 events compared to the 1924 Summer Olympics’ 126), but hard to ignore.
And they’re off! Age and experience give the Summer Games an early lead in the first lap.
SCORE: SUMMER – 1
WINTER – 0
ROUND 2: SPORTS SQUABBLE
SUMMER: No matter what the season, the Olympics are all about sports. The Summer Games have more of them (28 in all), including favourites like baseball, basketball, and soccer, as well as swimming, track and field, and table tennis. Still, more doesn’t necessarily mean better.
WINTER: Summer sports are more accessible because they don’t require lots of equipment, but it’s for the same reason that winter sports are so much more exciting. Almost anyone can kick a ball, but not everyone knows how to skate. From ice hockey and skiing to speed skating, bobsleigh, and snowboarding, they don’t call them extreme sports for nothing!
“Oh! The good old hockey game is the best game you can name and the best game you can name is the good old hockey game!” The Winter Olympics shoot and score! Stompin’ Tom would be proud.
SCORE: SUMMER – 1
WINTER – 1
ROUND 3: CANADIAN CONNECTION
SUMMER: Despite being one of the world’s most developed countries, you may be surprised to learn that Canada has only hosted the Summer Olympics once, back in 1976 when Montreal welcomed the world to la belle province. Sadly, Toronto came in second to Beijing’s bid for the 2008 games.
WINTER: On the other hand, the True North Strong and Free will have hosted the Winter Games twice come 2010 when Vancouver hosts the XXI Winter Olympics. Calgary was the first Canadian city to hold the games in 1988.
Two Olympics are better than one! The Winter Games carry the torch into Round 3 by courting the Canadian vote.
SCORE: SUMMER – 1
WINTER – 2
ROUND 4: NATION PARTICIPATION
SUMMER: The Olympics are meant to be an international celebration, but exactly how “global” are the games? The Summer Olympics attract more participants and more viewers from around the world than the Winter Games. Over 200 nations participated in the 2004 Athens games.
WINTER: By contrast, only 80 nations sent teams to compete at the 2006 Winter Games in Turin, Italy. Chalk it up to the fact that many countries simply don’t get snow and don’t have the proper training facilities for winter sports. Unfortunately, this translates to fewer viewers as well.
The Winter Olympics come up short on the country count, giving the Summer Games the edge. The score is tied!
SCORE: SUMMER – 2
WINTER – 2
ROUND 5: MEDAL MOUTH
SUMMER: Winning a medal at the Olympics is definitely something to boast about. The bad news is that Canada hasn’t been in the Top 10 countries by medal count at the Summer Games since they were hosted by Los Angeles in 1984. The Great White North placed 21st most recently in 2004.
WINTER: The good news, however, is that Canada has consistently placed in the Top 10 at the Winter Olympics since 1992. If it’s true that you tend to do better at what you enjoy, then the Winter Games are no exception for Canada.
Say it loud, say it proud! Games are always more fun when you win, so the Winter Olympics wrap up Round 5!
SCORE: SUMMER – 2
WINTER – 3
ROUND UP: The Summer Games might have gone for gold, but they settled for silver. Both the Summer and Winter Olympics have brought millions of people together to watch and compete in the most challenging displays of endurance and strength. However, the Winter Olympics’ extreme sports have inspired thousands of Canadians to go Faster, reach Higher, and be Stronger, which is why the Winter Olympic flame stands at the top of this game.
Catch the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games from August 8th to 24th!
Web Links:
www.olympic.org
www.beijing2008.cn
www.vancouver2010.com