The Olympics are Coming Home!
The Olympic Games are coming back to the Country where it all began. Celebrations are already well under way following the success of the London bid to host the Olympics in 2012, but England's connections with the Games don't just begin and end here. Few would know it, but Much Wenlock in Shropshire is the actual birthplace of the modern Olympics.
Thanks to a local Doctor, Dr William Penny Brookes, who introduced physical education into British schools and inspired the fore-runner of the modern Olympic Games for the "promotion of moral, physical and intellectual improvement", the revival of the Modern Olympics began.
Much Wenlock's connections with this prestigious event date back to 1850 when the first Wenlock Olympian Games took place. With a whole range of activities for "every grade of man" athletic and country events filled the programme from throwing the cricket ball, foot races and running to the more exotic events of wheel barrow racing and glee singing!
Nowadays, however, the programme looks a little different with the Annual Wenlock Olympics held in July. This year's 120th Games taking place on 7th -10th July include events ranging from archery, bowls, clay pigeon shooting, fencing, golf and a 7 mile road race to tennis and a triathlon.
Still very proud of its historic connections, Much Wenlock has an Olympian Trail to follow and a collection of Olympian artefacts to view in the town's Museum. Illustration in itself of the instrumental role that Much Wenlock and Dr William Penny Brookes played in the revival of the Modern Olympics.
Now there's no need to wait for 2012 to see an Olympic Games on home turf. You can see the original at Much Wenlock every July.
For further information on the Much Wenlock Olympics or the Olympian Trail contact Much Wenlock Visitor Information Centre on 01952 727679.
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