The Olympic Truce The Olympic Truce will not be eternal. After the games, bad habits will return. But this village is a perfect example of what the truce exemplifies. Here, athletes of different religions, political systems, races and languages live peacefully together. Jacques Rogge Nowadays it is a fact that almost every person in the world has heard about the Olympic Games at least once. This sport event has become internationally popular and important. Magazines and newspapers, radio and television, the Internet and billboards promote the main idea of the Olympics, which is "Faster, Higher, Stronger". Even our life seems to be a great example of this rule. But what is the most important thing about the Games? According to the ancient records the Games began in 776 BC in a Greek city of Olympia, in honor of Zeus. They were usually held every four years and consisted not only of sport competition but also of artistic contest. In fact, the Olympic Games were not only an athletic event but also a religious festival. Consequently, this sport competition was influenced by beliefs and traditions of ancient Greeks, who were the only nation to participate in it. The other essential thing about the Olympics is that during this athletic event a truce was announced, in order to allow visitors to travel in safety. The Olympic truce was faithfully observed and those who tried to violate the truce were banned from participating in the Games and had to pay the penalty. The modern Olympics are quite different from the ancient Games. But they still remain the symbol of peace and understanding. Furthermore this sport event is held worldwide. Regardless of the fact that the 21st century is an age of computer technologies and amazing scientific discoveries we still need to find a way to understand each other. From my viewpoint, the Olympic Games are an important event not only for sportsmen who long for new victories and worldwide fame, but also for humanity in general. Let us recall the legend of the Tower of Babel, the main idea of which is that the biggest power of humankind is a possibility to understand each other. Don’t you think that sport can be the international language? The Olympic Games are broadcast all over the world. Millions of people watch as famous sportsmen achieve new goals and break new records. The sport is a hobby and even the way of life that is popular in every country. The
enthusiasm of the Olympics can unite sport fans regardless of different nationalities, religions, beliefs, tastes and preferences. Moreover, different countries have to reach a compromise to organize the Olympic Games and to take part in them. In this way they can learn how to find perfect solutions to more important problems. Even the Olympic rings are not only the senseless emblem but the symbol of the unity of the five inhabited continents. Participation of every country in the Olympics means the agreement to live in peace and understanding. In conclusion, I would like to point out that the importance of the Olympic Games is in the truce among nations, in the desire to understand each other and to find right solutions to the worldwide key problems. If you still do not believe in magic of the Olympics and think that they are just too commercialized try to plunge in the atmosphere of sport and peace presented by ancient Greeks. It is not as difficult as it seems. Just turn on your TV set and watch London 2012 Olympic Games!