Cheers to the indomitable Olympic spirit
by
Neville Parker |
Winning does matter, but taking part is of equal value, Neville Parker writes
With sport’s greatest spectacle – the Olympic Games – kicking off on July 27 in London, I recall an argument I once had with a former colleague who had insisted that the most important thing in the Olympics is to win. “All the accolades are for the winner and no-one gives even a thought to the loser,” he had opined, further adding, from a very practical point of view, that “the winner takes it all.”
True. There’s no getting away from the fact that the spotlight is always fixed on the winner – he/she is crowned as the champion, collects the medal, garners all the attention and is soon well on his/her way to fame and greatness. I reminded him of the Olympic creed: “The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well.”
He immediately pooh-poohed the ancient creed: “It doesn’t hold water anymore,” he said and found it strange that I had even mentioned it.
To be honest, the spirit of the Olympics has taken a bit of a knock with incidents of performance-enhancing drugs and political bickering. But, while the ultimate aim is to win at all costs the basic principles of the Olympics essentially remain steady as a rock.
And, as London prepares to welcome over 10,000 athletes, we can once again celebrate the values of sport, the indomitable human spirit and the cheers and tears that form an essential part of this global gathering. In an increasingly troubled world, sport is a beacon that lights up the positive aspects of humanity and the Olympics, which are held every four years, are the true test of sportsmanship – winning does matter, but taking part is of equal value.
Take the case of countries like Iraq and Afghanistan, where the security situation is dangerous, or Palestine which is struggling to gain its long-cherished statehood. Sports teams of these nations have against all odds have managed to qualify for the London Games despite poor training facilities and lack of proper sports infrastructure. The aim of these sports-persons, as all others who will be competing in London, is to live the Olympic dream – like the creed says: “the important thing is to take part.” Of course, teams from poorer countries are there to give a good account of themselves; even if they don’t win medals, they certainly will win the hearts and minds of not only thousands of spectators and athletes but also entertain a global TV audience.
The essence of the Olympics is the equal chance all participants have of producing their best efforts in their chosen disciplines, and it is this aspect of their participation that holds value and deserves to be applauded.
Beginning July 27, the celebrations of the Olympic spirit in London will fill the hearts and minds of the sporting world as athletes display their prowess, cheers go up for good performances and participants fulfill their Olympic dreams.
Oman Tribune |
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