It’s easy to rag on the Olympics. After all, they’re often a bloated mess, and both over-and-under-planned – rather shambolically – by the IOC.
Plus, every four years the general public plays witness to various doping scandals, bribery scandals, rigged-voting scandals, construction-of-stadium scandals, and scoring scandals in gymnastics, diving and ice-skating.
Let’s also not forget that while the motto of ‘Citius, Altius, Fortius’ (Faster, Higher, Stronger) is noble, the medal counts are dominated by nations with more than a few million available to fund athletes in their sporting pursuits.
If you’re from a disadvantaged country, you best be have some dandy genetic mutations.
Did I miss anything?
Before we plunge too far into the abyss of doom, gloom, and general hilarity over mismanagement there is a glimmer of hope. A beacon of light. A reminder that there can be some good in the world.
Where, pray tell, can you find these shining dragon-balls of beauty?
Look no further than the Olympic Opening Ceremony. Specifically, right before host nation Brazil walk into the stadium. In front of you – marching under the Olympic Flag – you will see the Refugee Olympic Team.
Comprised of ten athletes – whittled down from an original pool of 43 candidates – the team is the first of its kind, and already the best story of the Olympics.
The trail-blazers are: (Name/Country of Origin/Events Competing In)
James Chiengjiek (South Sudan) – 400m, Yiech Biel (South Sudan) – 800m, Paulo Lokoro (South Sudan) – 1500m, Yonas Kinde (Ethiopia) – Marathon, Popole Misenga (Democratic Republic of Congo) – Judo (90kg), Rami Anis (Syria) – 100m butterfly, Rose Lokonyen (South Sudan) – 800m, Anjelina Lohalith (South Sudan) – 1500m, Yolande Mabika (Democratic Republic of Congo) – Judo (70kg), and Yusra Mardini (Syria) – 200m freestyle.
There are more than 60 million refugees worldwide, displaced from their homes, and seeking a safer and better life elsewhere. Many of these people have no home, and no country. No chance to even dream of making it to the Olympics. Until now.
Head IOC honcho Thomas Bach says that the athletes will be: “A symbol for hope for all the refugees in our world, and will make the world better aware of the magnitude of this crisis”.
That, the athletes will “show the world that despite the unimaginable tragedies that they have faced, anyone can contribute to society through their talent, skills, and strength of the human spirit”.
Sport can represent so many things, but in 2016 the Olympics will have athletes representing possibly the biggest crisis currently affecting the world. Let’s hope those watching are paying attention.
Because the greatest Olympic story of 2016 will be unfolding in front of them.
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