OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC VALUES….. We have entered a year which has one of the most comprehensive sporting schedules of all time. But most importantly, 2012 will see the Olympic and Paralympic games being held in charming London. The Olympics are the citadel of exhibiting competitive sport and also the epitome of true sportsmanship values. In fact the Olympics and Paralympics hold dear a sum total of seven values, each very significant in its own way.
It was back in 1896, that Frenchman Pierre De Coubertin, now known as the founding-father of modern Olympics recognized these values. So, the Olympic Games are not just a contest where fame is earned, or glory redeemed, or success showered; but also one that creates global sportsmen and women - worthy human beings. With the passage of time, these values have only been strengthened further; and have evolved within themselves too. The Olympic values are:Respect - Respecting the rules, your fellow competitors, fair play, knowing your limitations and talents whilst taking care of yourself and others around you. Excellence - Giving your best, actively involving yourself and to step up against all odds. Friendship – Understanding others, considering and accepting differences and maintaining mutual regard. The enormity of their meaning is, well, very enormous. But then again this is an understatement. The Paralympics stand tall on four moral pillars- values which each and every ‘Paralympian’ possesses and holds dear. They areDetermination- The will to do and succeed and overcoming all hurdles in the way. Equality – All are equal and deserve the same treatment and respect. There shall be no discrimination whatsoever. Courage – Perhaps the most significant of the Paralympics values. Courage to do whatever is right; despite the circumstances. Inspiration – aka athlete’s adrenaline mode. It is very contagious. These are the Olympic and Paralympic values, but the games still have a lot to offer, other sporting virtues being strength, grace, gallantry, honesty, tolerance and honour to name a few.
The story doesn’t end here, though. The Olympics and Paralympics have created heroes and heroines every single time, each possessing an enviable amount of ‘character’. There is, thus, much more than meets the eye here. Finally, only tepid reading of articles isn’t enough; what we must do is imbibe these global values, propagate them, and thus, be suitable global citizens of the world, ideal to idolize and fit to be leaders.