Peter Hargrove, age 15, of Staten Island, N.Y., for his question:

WHY ARE RINGS ON THE OLYMPIC GAMES FLAG?

One of the most dramatic moments in the Olympic Games is during the opening ceremonies when runners in crosscountry relays bring a lighted torch from the valley of Olympia, Greece, where the ancient games were first held, and light the Olympic Flame in the host city's stadium. At the same moment the Olympic flag is proudly raised aloft.

On the flag is the Olympic symbol which consists of five interlocking rings that represent the continents of Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe and North and South America. The rings are yellow, green, blue, black and red. The flag of every nation competing in the games has at least one of these colors.

The Olympic Flame and the Olympic flag continue to fly until the end of the games.