I've looked forward to watching the Olympics ever since I was young. I'm not a huge sports fan, nor am I an athlete (I'm what many would classify as a N.A.R.P. - or Non-Athletic Regular Person). But, there's just something about all those unique sporting events broadcasted on television that mesmerizes me. Every year I learn about a new sport - who knew that skeleton existed or that horseback riding was included in the Olympic Games? The Olympics is certainly the highlight of my summer or winter every rotating four years, but I feel that the world has yet to realize the importance of this uniting event.
I don't want to discredit any of the Olympic athletes and the years of hard work, diligence, and training that go into qualifying for the Olympic Games, nor do I want to take away their right to earning one of those prestigious gold, silver, or bronze medals. But, the world has to realize that these games span beyond the sports. These games serve to bring our globe together as a united force.
We all live in a world full of constant turmoil - it's unfortunate that we rarely feel safe walking on the sidewalk outside our own homes. We, as Americans, say this - but what about citizens of countries where suicide bombers parade through the streets on a daily basis? War is a threat that just never seems to go away, and the world is living in a state of paranoia. We also have fears of diseases and illnesses that spread beyond our control at rampant rates. Because of this, the human race is at the mercy of both self-induced and environmental massacre.
However, during a short 16 days in the heat of summer or the chill of winter, the world tries to put aside its differences. Athletes from around the globe gather together for (what is usually) friendly competition. Of course, there is always some controversy. But, we can all seem to swallow our personal prides and take a huge nationalistic stance - backing our prospective country with pride.
As I write this article, the 2016 Summer Olympic Games are taking place in Rio de Janeiro. Rio - a place where violence runs under the outstretched arms of Christ the Redeemer. A place where the Zika Virus threatens both citizens and visitors all over the world. But, also a place where millions have come together to celebrate the achievements of athletes all across the world.
These athletes serve as examples of peacemakers for the rest of the world. The world's leaders need to learn from these Olympic Games and begin to put aside their differences. Sporting events are just like wars - a competition to see who is best. These Olympic athletes can compete in friendly competition without turmoil. It's time for us all - not just the athletes, not just the presidents and dictators - but all of us, to make a pledge for peace.
I hope that one day the world's leaders can come to realize this. Peace should prevail. War is not necessary. If over 200 nations across the globe can come together to celebrate athletic achievements, why can't we all come together to settle our political differences without violence? Thank you, Olympic Games, for maintaining balance throughout the globe and for setting an example of friendship and comradery.
