OPINION: 'One World, One Dream'

With participants who have gone through rigid training to hone athletic skills to beat other countries’ representatives, some say that the Olympics is a battlefield. Since its inception as a world tournament, the event has been used as propaganda by several countries. Even today, a number of people still dismiss the international event as a mere economic strategy especially for the host country.

However, the theme “One World, One Dream” reflects the opposite — as it conveys the message that the essence and universal values of the Olympic spirit are unity, friendship, progress, harmony, participation, and the fulfillment of a dream.

These values were seen in the highly anticipated opening ceremony in Beijing, China.  A country’s fighter waved and smiled to the whole world – who happily acknowledged.

Several years ago, the world also benefited when the Olympics was used as a diplomatic tool to showcase newly-established countries in Africa, and republics of the former Soviet Union in the 1950s, and East Timor in 2002, making peace between two warring states NoKor and SoKor when they paraded together in the 2000 Sydney Games, and recognition of an enemy nation when the Iraqi football team reached the semi-finals.

The Olympics, more than ever, is a reunion of people from all races, all with one dream – that is to shine for their respective sport discipline and bring pride to their country.   In fact, the event is more than a sports event – it is proof that nations can compete and yet live together fairly and with humility.

(www.asianjournal.com)