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what do the olympic rings stand for

The Olympic rings stand for the union of the five inhabited continents and the coming together of athletes from all over the world at the Olympic Games.

What the rings symbolize

  • The five interlocking rings represent Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania , symbolizing global unity through sport.
  • Their interlaced design shows how countries and cultures are connected, not separate, through the Olympic Movement.

Colours and common myths

  • The colours—blue, yellow, black, green, and red on a white background—were chosen because at least one of them appears in the flag of every nation.
  • A popular myth is that each colour stands for a specific continent, but the International Olympic Committee (IOC) says the rings as a whole represent all continents and all nations , not one‑to‑one matches.

Quick reference table

Element| Meaning
---|---
Five rings| Union of the five continents and meeting of global athletes. 35
Interlaced design| Connection and friendship among nations. 37
Blue, yellow, black, green, red| Colours appearing in all national flags, symbolizing inclusivity. 59

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