I liked watching the Olympic Games in Paris during the holidays, but did you know that there’s a special kind of Olympics that started in a small town in Shropshire called Much Wenlock? The games are called the Wenlock Olympian Games, and they have a really interesting history! I found out about them after taking part in the Fencing competition this year.

How It All Began

In 1850, Dr William Penny Brookes lived in Much Wenlock and thought that playing sports was important to stay healthy. He thought that it would be a good idea to organise sports competitions where people could run, jump and play games. He invented the Wenlock Olympian Games. The first Wenlock Olympian Games were in October 1850. People came from all around the area to do sports like running, jumping and even some funny ones like wheelbarrow races and pig catching!

A Big Idea

The Wenlock Olympian Games became very popular and soon people from all over England started to join in. A Frenchman called Pierre de Coubertin came to the games and thought that they were amazing. He had the idea to create a bigger version of the games where athletes from all over the world could take part. This was the beginning of the modern Olympic Games!

The Games Today

Even though the modern Olympics are held in huge cities, the Wenlock Olympian Games are still held every year in Much Wenlock. All ages can come and take part in lots of sports from athletics to cycling or fencing like I did. There are also fun events like tug of war. In 2012 the Olympic Games were held in London. The organisers wanted to celebrate Much Wenlock’s connection to the Olympics. They named one of the mascots “Wenlock” after the town.

Why It Matters?

The Wenlock Olympian Games show us a great idea can grow into something that inspires people all over the world. Dr Brookes believed that everyone should be able to enjoy sports and stay healthy, which is still important today. So if you like running, jumping or just having fun, the Wenlock Olympic Games bring people together to play and be active. Maybe one day you could take part and who knows, even make it to the modern Olympics!

By Arjan 4W