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Step back in time and explore the history of the Olympic Games
26th March 2024
The Olympic Games are just around the corner and it’s a perfect time to explore together how this event came from its ancient origins and blossomed into the greatest sporting event on Earth, bringing people together from all corners of the world to celebrate the diversity of sports.
The Ancient Games – the History of The Olympic Games brings a unique and inspiring perspective to the history of the sporting world’s biggest event, opening up the world of sports for blind and visually impaired children and young people.
This exclusive Living Paintings creation combines touch and sound to help blind and visually impaired children and young people experience the rich ancient history of the Greek Olympics and how it inspired today’s events, taking them back in time to the event’s origins.
Guiding us through this journey into ancient times is children’s author and winner of the Blue Peter Book Awards, Clive Clifford, and Olympian Lady Mary Peters, who shares her unique insight and memories of competing in The Games. We’re also joined by JJ Chalmers who records a special introduction to the pack.
Aligned with Key Stage 2 and 3 learning, this interactive, sensory experience for blind and visually impaired children can be used in a classroom or as part of home learning, as young learners can now build up a picture in their minds.
Let’s take a look at what’s inside.
What’s inside?
The Olympic Games Symbol
This tactile picture introduces the Olympics Games symbol and explores the story of the modern Games.
Zeus and Hermes
This tactile picture depicts two Greek Gods and tells the story of the history of the Ancient Olympic Games.
3 Javelin Thrower and Prize Pot
This tactile picture explores the sports and events at the Ancient Games. Lady Mary Peters, Olympic medal winning athlete, lends her voice to the audio guide.
The Blue Ship by Alfred Wallis
This tactile picture shows three torches from past Games and tells the interesting story of the journey the Olympic and Paralympic torches takes before each Games.
Three Medals and a Crown of Olive Leaves
This tactile picture describes the excitement of the medal ceremony and guides the fingers over three medals, as well as the wreath of olive leaves given to winners in the Ancient Games.
Are you ready to turn back time and get inspired?
You can borrow The Ancient Games – the History of The Olympic Games from our free postal library for blind and visually impaired children. If you’re not already a member of Living Paintings, you can join here. Joining or borrowing won’t ever cost you a penny.
If you’re already a member you can order The Ancient Games – the History of The Olympic Games here.
And don’t forget to share your experience with us on socials so we can see what inspired your young learner!