Aug. 25, 2004

Lunar Olympics

What do you think of Luna City's chances of hosting the Olympic Games in 2060? What might be the benefits of holding the Olympics on the moon? What problems can you foresee?

The Olympics have changed over time. New events have been added and old ones taken away. The types of equipment and skills needed by athletes have also evolved. You can find out more about the history of the Olympics and individual events at www.olympic.org/uk/games/index_uk.asp and www.olympic.org/uk/sports/programme/history_uk.asp (International Olympic Committee).

So it isn't out of the question to think about another change: an Olympics on the moon. But what would it be like?

Consider the events that are part of this year's Olympic Games in Athens. Pick one that you think could be held on the moon. Answer the following questions about the event you chose.

1. What special preparations might athletes have to make for your chosen event on the moon? Why?
2. What special equipment would these athletes need, if any? Why?
3. How would the results of this event and any records set during the competition compare with those if it were held on Earth? How fair is the comparison?

Now, consider an event that you believe couldn't be held on the moon.

1. How could this event be changed or what would have to happen in order for it to take place on the moon?
2. If you couldn't change the event, what other event could replace it and still be fair to the same athletes?

Each host city is entitled to introduce a new event to the Olympic Games. What event unique to the moon would you introduce?

This week's recommended scifi books

Art gallery

Talk Back: Do you have any comments about this challenge? Send them to us using the form below.

I have my parent's permission to submit this.
First name:		Age:
City:		State:	AK AL AR AZ CA CO CT DC DE FL GA HI IA ID IL IN KS KY LA MA MD ME MI MN MO MS MT NC ND NE NH NJ NM NV NY OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VA VT WA WI WV WY
E-mail:
Comment: