In a period full of violence, both home and abroad, the Olympics have a way of bringing people together. It puts hope in the hearts of all and gives those who have so little much more. Look at where they are this year. There was so much controversy over the environmental quality Rio has and if they would be capable of paying for such a large event. Many said they would boycott the Olympics and not watch them on TV at all. But last Friday my family and I, along with billions of others, tuned in to watch the opening ceremonies, cheering on team USA during the parade of nations. The opening ceremony showed the world that like most nations, Brazil was born from immigrants and slave labor. It thrives on it's people's creativity through art, music, and dance and most importantly national pride.

For those who don't have a country to represent, we embrace their independence and bravery and respect them for overcoming so much of the world's violence. The refugees have so much talent and get a chance to show it off in front of the world. A talent that almost didn't get a chance to compete. Those individuals came together this year to represent their own team.

The Olympic Games brings competition to a whole new meaning. We watch as our athletic role models compete against their own role models breaking world records and setting personal bests. We watch athletes compete through serious injuries all because their team, coaches, family, and nation are depending on them to challenge themselves and win a medal. They bring hope to people who have so little and let's us all forget about all of the negativity going on in the world. The Olympics give us all something to look forward to. Whether it's winter or summer, the games offer something for everyone. For those who participate in sports represented in the games, it gives them a bigger goal and let's them imagine what it would be like to stand on that podium and hear the national anthem play through the speakers, loud and proud.

The Olympic Games truly are a wonderful event that bring so many people together to compete, cheer, and watch in awe as the best competitors in the world defy the impossible and break records. It is a positive distraction to the violent negativity that is constantly going on around the world. Regardless of whether or not they should be in Rio this year, the Brazilian people are taking the honor of hosting the summer Olympic Games very seriously. That is all you can ask when talking about a host nation for the Olympic Games.