The Olympic rings are a powerful symbol representing the unity and harmony of the five inhabited continents of the world. Since the modern Olympic Movement began in the late 19th century, the familiar symbol of the five interlocking rings has been used to represent the unity and mutual understanding of the world’s nations.
Although there are seven continents in the world, only five have consistently taken part in all modern Olympic Games since the first event in Athens in 1896. Australia, North America, South America, Europe and Africa are the five continents that have featured Olympic athletes since the modern Olympics began, and their presence has helped to shape and define the global scope of the Games.
Since the Olympics emphasize international harmony, the use of the five Olympic rings is an appropriate symbol of this objective. 5 rings represent the interconnectivity of the world's people, and the vision held by Pierre de Coubertin and other founders of the Olympic Movement that sport can bring different cultures and people together. The rings also provide a symbol of inclusion and equality which show inclusiveness and worldwide unity - each ring is of equal size and colour, representing the quality of every nation regardless of race, colour, gender or religion. This is why they so powerfully represent the spirit of the Olympic Games.
