THE 2024 Olympic Games has a special significance in that it is held in Paris, France, the city and country of birth of Baron Pierre de Coubertin who at age 24 he had the vision, the commitment, wisdom and courage to give birth to modern Olympics.
Baron Pierre de Courbertin believed the future in education lay in physical education as it is said in Latin “anima sana in corpore sano” (a sound mind in a sound body) which is absolutely so true and relevant.
2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France is a tribute to the father of modern Olympics, Baron Pierre de Coubertin, we salute him. We admire his courage, wisdom, his dedication and his commitment.
We cannot forget what mighty Greece gave to the world 3000 years ago. They gave us the basis for modern Olympics, they gave us philosophers, architects and explorers. Amongst the great philosophers were: Socrates; Plato; Aristotle; and many others and not forgetting Alexander the Great whose life and times are revered and respected.
The Olympic Games with five coloured rings signifying five inhabited continents.
This week thousands of athletes arrive into Paris and the hosts are providing the most modern welcoming atmosphere . The venue will provide a great opportunity to excel and build lasting friendships and tell the world that “the brotherhood of men transcends the sovereignty of nations”. This is a very telling statement as our beautiful world is in turmoil in every area of the globe.
Australia, despite its small population, excels in every sporting event. Its ubiquitous green and gold colours are to be seen everywhere.
Little Fiji is sending its 7s rugby warriors, led by maestro Jerry Tuwai, and are aiming for gold.
The Olympics have noble intentions, but it is at times sullied by over ambitious nations in their quest for gold using performance enhancing drugs.
Most importantly let the participants enjoy and compete fairly and promote peace, joy and happiness.
Despite all the good intentions, the IOC is involved in bribes and commercialism and it is a great pity to see the ever present Coke bottles strategically placed on press tables. This is very height of commercialism and bad business.
This is distraction from the ethics and mission statement of IOC and the founder of modern Olympics.
Since the establishment of modern Olympics, the cost of hosting the Olympic Games is horrendous and there are really no bidders for this high costing event.
Los Angeles will host in 2028 and Brisbane, Australia will host in 2032 by invitation and without bidding.
Having said the above let each person participating excel, enjoy and spread peace, harmony and goodwill towards mankind and make it a very successful 2024,Paris, France Olympics.
I end this short opinion piece with two relevant quotes from Greek philosophers.
Socrates said: ” The only true wisdom is in knowing, you know nothing.”
Another Greek philosopher said: “Courage is the mother of all virtues because without it you cannot consistently perform the others.”
Baron Pierre de Coubertin had the wisdom and the courage and how lucky we are that such a person at age 24 gave us modern Olympics. The world bows its head in gratitude that such a person walked the face of earth.
Paris Olympics has to be the greatest Olympic Games ever staged.
Vive Le France!
- MAHENDRA PATEL is Officier de L’Ordre du Merite and chairman Emeritus of the Motibhai Group/Prouds Fiji. The views expressed in this article are the author’s.
