We live in a world where war exists, and countries are constantly at odds with one another. We constantly hear news about all of the horrible things going on in the world right now. We always try to find some cute pet photos or a funny video in order to distract us from the bad news for just a little while.
Every four years an event happens that brings all of the countries together. An event where countries stop fighting, stop trying to kill each other and they just all come together and unite as one. That event is the Olympics.
When the opening ceremony started it was amazing seeing Rios culture in the form of art and dance. One of my favorite performances was about the rain forest. I know how popular they are in Brazil, and I always thought they were cool, so it was awesome to see.
When the parade of nations came on, it was awesome to see everyone so happy to be here. Those who are from the war torn countries truly looked happy to not be at their home right now. Its nice to see that there is good that can come out of countries in war. I hope that one day they don't ever have to live in fear anymore, that they don't have to be afraid to leave their houses, that they don't have to look over their shoulders every time they are walking alone on the streets. If countries acted the way they act in the Olympics supporting one another, and being kind to each other the world would be a better place.
This was the first year that the Olympics decided to have a team of Refugees. Most of them have left their home countries in order to escape war. There were 10 athletes on the team five of them came from South Sudan, two from Syria, two from the Democratic Republic of Congo, and one from Ethiopia. This group got one of the loudest cheers in the during the whole parade. These people seemed so happy, probably because not that long ago they were fearing for their lives, now they are competing in the Olympics, and living their dreams.
The Olympics truly bring countries together. I saw an article where two gymnasts from North Korea and South Korea both took a selfie together. And these are two countries that are at odds with each other. It just goes to show that if two people can get along despite their countries issues with one another, I hope one day countries will no longer be at war with one another and we can all live peacefully.
Also after every event it's amazing how all of the countries can congratulate one another despite their placement in that event. When Joseph Schooling beat the most decorated Olympian Michael Phelps in the race for the gold they congratulated one another. Phelps is a class act; he congratulates everyone he usually hugs his competitors after each race. I wish people were more like this every day.
I really hope that one day, we can all come together, just like in the Olympic Games. War sucks, I wish there wasnt any war at all. But I have faith though, while war ending for good seems like a distant reality right now, there is hope that one day there will be no more war at all. This is why we have the Olympics to bring people together, and thats what we need now more than ever.
"You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one, I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will be as one."-John Lennon
