"The Olympics are a
wonderful metaphor for world cooperation, the kind of international competition
that's wholesome and healthy, an interplay between countries that represents
the best in all of us.”
As athletes from
country after country file into the arena, dressed in colorful garb (as unique
as the countries they represent), the diversity of the total picture continues
to grow. Different countries. Different colors. Different languages. Brought together for two fabulous weeks. I’m talking of course about the Olympic
games. You’ve probably been as glued to
your television set as our family has!
So, what is it about this amazing gathering that captures our eyes...and
grabs our hearts? What is it about sport that has the capacity to bring so
many drastically different peoples and cultures together like this?
First, sport speaks
a common language. It doesn’t take
the same vocal vocabulary to appreciate and celebrate a powerful volleyball
spike, to marvel at a perfect bullseye, or to revel in a long-awaited victory
for a teenage gymnast. Athletes and fans
all over the world speak the language of sport; it’s a vocabulary that we all
share, know, and love.
Second, sport exposes
the range of human emotion. Unlike
almost any other area of life, the realm of athletics gives human beings
exposure to the joy of victory, the struggle of competition, and, sometimes,
the agony of defeat. Everyone in the
world understands the elation of a goal achieved...and the bitter pain of
failure and loss. In one game – one
competition – sport exposes us to these dynamic and powerful emotions.
Third, sport –
and especially the Olympics – comes to us inseparably tied to human
stories. I’m sure you’ve been as
fascinated as I have by the stories of adversity, pain, setback, struggle, and
growth of so many of the Olympic athletes.
Everyone has their own story...and they each bring them along to the
great arena that is the Olympic games.
These stories go with the athletes as they run, shoot, lift, hit, and
swim. They motivate them, make them
stronger, and bring meaning to their achievements.
Fourth, sport implies
cooperation. Competition, as fierce
as it may be, takes place between people and countries who have gathered
together and agreed to compete! They
compete according to a set of rules, and they do so for the sake of the beauty
of sport. The Olympic competitions give
us a great picture of peace – even in the midst of struggle.
Fifth, and
finally, sport brings health and fun to life. Sports are not life in themselves. There is much more to life than a big dive, a
made basket, or a fast sprint. And yet,
sports contribute vitality and health to life.
They encourage us, inspire us, and enrich our understanding of life and
humanity.
As you watch the
Olympics conclude...enjoy the wonder of sport.
And I hope you make some room for exercise in your schedule, too, this
week!
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