Worldbuilding and question background:
In a world with dragons edging close to civil war, their king wants to use a revived “dragon Olympics” politically, to help balance the two rival factions.
The dragons have agreed to respect the four traditional categories (flight, fire, hunting and ‘cleverness’) for the seven events, but the contest details have been lost from the ancient games. Selecting and defining the contest events/rules offers both dangers and opportunities. The king and his advisers need to select contest events within those categories to:
Achieve survivable balance between the factions: the 'Strongs’ (~Spartans/Klingons) and the ‘Sharps' (~Athenians/Vulcans.) In terms of factions, the games should result in a tie, or as near as possible.
Minimize opportunities for provocation, sabotage and assassinations -- or control those to his advantage.
This world is basically 16th century earth-like (air, gravity, gold/gems/caves, prey animals, population density of pesky humans....) Key attributes of these dragons: adults are about 7 (metric) tons; flying, fire-’breathing’, carnivorous, four limbed, dexterous front paws; limited magic beyond flight and fire. Adults can generally lift up to large cows, horses or similar sized prey. Roughly human intelligence.
Overall, Strongs are slightly better in flight and hunting; Sharps in fire and ‘cleverness.’ ‘Cleverness’ comprises learning, art, gem skill, Magic or riddle-solving. Strongs have a slight advantage in four of the seven contests. The king would love contest events that can (be arranged to) end in ties, at least peaceful ties. Finally, to the extent it can still be done, have an eye toward sportsdragonship and keeping the fun/fatality ratio high.
Question (repeated):
What events for the Reconstituted Dragon ‘Olympics’ can best avoid civil war?
Bonus question: How best to run those contest events to minimize provocation, sabotage and assassination potential?
Example (of what I’m seeking):
Dragon Marathon:
100 mile aerial race.
Set course with referees in the air throughout.
Touching down disqualifies.
Fire or Magic use disqualifies.
Referees will have standard detection amulets. First dragon to reach the finish line wins.
Potential for ‘accidents’:
The greatest potential sources of ‘accidents’ is probably at the starting line, starting as soon as the racers assemble. Referees will be needed throughout the flight course.
If I have too much detail, or have left out relevant aspects, please let me know.