al sports league (i.e. NFL, NBA,MLBA, NHL etc...).Athletics were a key part of education in ancient Greece. Many Greeks believed thatdeveloping the body was equally important as improving the mind for overall health. Also,regular exercise was important in a society where men were always needed for militaryservice. Plato's Laws specifically mentions how athletics improved military skills. Greek youththerefore worked out in the wrestling-school (palaestra) whether they were serious Olympiccontenders or not. The palaestra (wrestling-school) was one of the most popular places forGreek men of all ages to socialize. Many accounts of Greek daily life include scenes in thesewrestling-schools, such as the opening of Plato's Charmides. Young men worked with athletictrainers who used long sticks to point out incorrect body positions and other faults. Trainerspaid close attention to balancing the types of physical exercise and the athlete's diet. TheGreeks also thought that harmonious movement was very important, so athletes oftenexercised to flute music. After exercise, they cleaned themselves by rubbing oil over their bodies and scrapingthe mix of oil, sweat, and dirt off with a special instrument called a strigil. After the athletes were choosen, competitors were required to train at Olympia for a monthbefore the Games officially started, like modern competitors at the Olympic Village. Duringthe days of old, we would think that the prize is not as great as what we can offer today. We(society) make miracles and roll models. Can it be possible that even though the AncientOlympics didn't have the resources that we have today, they have more to strive for? (Awondrous sight on the internet that provided this information was at www.olympic.org/index. This official site holds all the information of the life of the Olympic Bound Trainee and goes onto say...) "But, during the end of it all, there is the big reward, a victor received a crown madefrom ol...
