Last night, I had the great pleasure of watching the opening for the 2016 Summer Olympics. One of the most anticipated events of the year; an event that only happens once every four years; an event that takes place in a new city and country every four years. As I sat watching the Opening Ceremony taking place in Rio, I started to think about how much I truly appreciated the Olympics.
Not only do countries from around the world come together to compete in different sporting events, but fans from all around the world come together to watch these athletes. Whether your team wins the gold, silver, or bronze, or they don’t take home anything, the anticipation of watching the events is felt by millions.
The Olympics brings our world together. In times of need and in times of disaster, in times of heartbreak and in times where peace is sought, the Olympics reunites us all.
To me, the Opening Ceremonies have always brought us back together. Wherever the Olympics are being held, that country has an opportunity to show off its history during the Opening Ceremonies. For most people, they think nothing off this time period other than a chance for that country to show off its skill in lighting and CGI, but to me it’s much more than that. I have always used this portion of the ceremony as a time to get to know a new culture. During the 2012 Summer Olympics, I watched as London and Great Britain described their transition through the Industrial Revolution. I realized that there is more to each culture's life that what the textbooks teach us. With Rio, I explained my interpretation of the culture and forest life as my friends and I watched. To see how Rio and Brazil have transitioned through the cultivation of land and the migration of families was inspiring.
I believe a lot of people tend to look past this portion of the ceremonies, because they only care about the teams marching in and the lighting of the torch. In fact I have heard many people say they were disappointed in the openings because it wasn’t as exciting or entertaining. Although I do agree that the opening lacked the music and POP of a concert, I look beyond that. To me, the Opening Ceremony of any Olympics is not something I can compare to, let’s say, a half time show for the Super bowl. The Opening Ceremony is a time to get to know the country that is holding that year's games. It’s a time to learn about more than the area we live in, and more importantly it’s a time to learn what it’s like to live outside of our comfort zone. Maybe you noticed that in the beginning of it all, the performers were wearing skimpy underwear? Some would ask why they were doing that, or why they would chose to show off that much skin. Well the answer is simple. That’s the culture and lifestyle of Brazil.
The Opening Ceremony is a time that brings us all together, but not just for a night. It’s a spectacle that brings us all together for the weeks of the games and events. In fact, I think it brings us all together for more than the time that the games and events are taking place. For weeks after the Olympics, you will hear about how this country took home this place, or this athlete dominated this event. And during these times, when the spotlight is on the athletes, everything seems to be alright. These are not Hollywood actors and actresses that are taking home Oscars because they did a good job portraying someone else, these are athletes that work day and night for YEARS, to try and prove to the rest of the world, that they have the drive and determination to win.
The Olympics will always be something that I look forward to watching, and regardless of how or where the Opening Ceremony takes place, I will watch. I will of course watch to cheer on team USA as we march through the halls, but I will watch to learn more about the world that takes place beyond where I am located. I will continue to watch the Opening Ceremonies and the Olympic events to be reminded, that in that moment, everything is alright!
