D

The first Olympic Games were held in 776 BC. They began as a religious festival and were held every four years. They were held in a valley of Ancient Greece called Olympia. Athletes came to Olympia to train full time for ten months prior to the Olympics. They had to undergo an examination of a ten-member panel who assessed them on their character and physical ability. Women were not allowed to participate in these early Olympic games and could not attend tile games. At the first games in 776 BC, the only event held was a foot race and was the length of the stadium. Later, a chariot race was added and was one of the most exciting events of these Olympics. The race was nine miles long. The prize for the victors of these early Olympics was a simple olive tree branch. Today, the Olympics are one of the most exciting events televised. People from all over the world watch to see the athletes from their countries compete in over twenty-eight events.

What does the word "assess" (Line 4) most probably mean