From nzhistory at list.mch.govt.nz Mon Aug 4 11:01:21 2008 From: nzhistory at list.mch.govt.nz (nzhistory@list.mch.govt.nz) Date: Mon Aug 4 11:01:29 2008 Subject: [NZhistory.net.nz] A century of Olympics history Message-ID: Welcome to the NZHistory.net.nz newsletter, 4 August 2008 A record 182 New Zealanders will compete at the Beijing Olympics which begin in less than a week's time. Amid the building excitement, we've compiled the inspiring history of New Zealanders at the Olympics in the century 1908 to 2008: http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/culture/olympics We include 16 Olympic stories covering topics from the pioneering efforts of Harry Kerr, Violet Walrond and Arthur Porritt to the great track triumphs of Lovelock, Snell and Walker, and the golden achievements of our rowers, canoeists, equestrians and yachties. http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/culture/olympics/16-stories The stories also cover the boycotts of the 1976 (Montreal) and 1980 (Moscow) Olympics, media coverage of the Games and a 'Best of the best' list compiled by well-known sports writer Joseph Romanos. The Classroom at http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/culture/olympics/classroom invites teachers and students to examine not only the place of the Olympics in New Zealand's history but the many intersecting historical events that have contributed to the international fascination with the Olympics - the political wrangling, boycotts, controversy and tragedy. Once you've read the history, an Olympics quiz tests sporting smarts with 20 questions and a virtual gold medal for those who score over 80%: http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/quiz/olympics >From the NZHistory.net.nz team.