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With the 2002 Winter Olympics only months away, it’s hard to avoid the energy and excitement building up around the world. The Olympic Games are the world’s largest showcase of athletic skill and competition. The winter sports include, Alpine Skiing, Biathlon, Bobsled, Cross-Country, Curling, Figure Skating, Freestyle Skiing, Ice Hockey, Luge, Nordic Combined, Short Track, Skeleton, Ski Jumping, Snowboard and Speed Skating.
The ancient Olympic Games, part of a religious event honouring Zeus, were the biggest event in the Greek world. There were fewer events however, which included Boxing, Chariot Racing, Riding, Pankration, Pentathlon (Discuss, Javelin, Jump, Running and Wrestling), Running and Wrestling. Also, only free men who spoke Greek could compete, rather than all athletes from any country. As well, there was only one site for the games – Olympia.
The Olympic Games have a very personal significance to participating athletes. “For me, the Olympics is a realization of a dream. It’s something that most people dream of when they begin competing, but only few people get to actually participate in them”, said Women’s National Ice Hockey Team member. Spectators also have a great appreciation for the Games and a desire for an athlete from their home country to bring back the gold. TakingITGlobal member John Ansumana says of the Games, “To my own view, organizing the Olympics is a melting pot to tap the potentialities of young and dynamic people”. He continued to say, “…It’s only in such sporting activities that the global population can aptly understand the same language.”
The Olympics are a platform for cultural exchange, diversity and national pride. Through the pursuit of excellence in athletics, nations are brought together to compete in various events, both individual and team sports. Each nation has the chance to wave their flag with pride during the opening ceremonies and observe as fellow athletes from faraway countries do the same.
The Olympics are so much more than sporting events. They are a chance for people to come together in collaboration and experience new cultures with new people. The Olympics bring countries together in peace and celebrate the accomplishments of the world’s top athletes. So tune in and be a part of the experience.
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Ashley Banfield
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