[NZhistory.net.nz] A century of Olympics history

[nzhistory at list.mch.govt.nz]

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.