The Olympic idea between ideal and reality This essay reflects the private opinion of O.M. Gruber-Lavin only, and is not an official statement of the Lazarus Union The Olympic Games... Read more
The Initial Olympic Idea and the Sacred Peace
The Olympic Games have their origins in ancient Greece, where they were first held in Olympia in 776 BC. These games were part of a religious festival in honour of the god Zeus and were held every four years. The ancient Olympic Games had a profound symbolic meaning that went far beyond the sporting competition.
The original Olympic idea was based on the concept of “Ekecheiria”, the sacred peace. During the Games, all warlike conflicts were to cease in order to allow the athletes and spectators to participate safely. This idea of peace was central to the Olympic tradition and reflected the hope that sporting competition could serve as a peaceful alternative to military conflict.
The competition itself was seen to promote physical and mental excellence. The participants, who came from various Greek city-states, represented their hometowns and competed in various disciplines such as running, wrestling, long jump and chariot racing. The sporting competition was intended to embody the values of bravery, courage and honour.
The modern Olympic Games, which were revived in Athens in 1896, took up many of the ancient ideals. Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic Games, was strongly inspired by the ancient games. His aim was to promote international peace and understanding through sporting competition. The Games were to provide a platform where nations could come together in a peaceful environment and put aside their differences.
The Olympic Charter, the rulebook of the Olympic Movement, emphasises peace and understanding between nations as one of its main objectives. The Olympic Oath, taken by the athletes, contains a promise of fair competition and adherence to the rules. The Olympic Flame, which has been a symbol of the Games since 1928, is intended to symbolise peace and friendship between nations.
Despite the idealistic origins and goals, the Olympic Games are not without controversy today. The commercialisation of the Games has provoked many critical voices.
The Olympic Games have become one of the largest commercial events in the world. Large companies invest billions of dollars in sponsorship and advertising, and broadcasting rights are sold for astronomical sums. This commercialisation has meant that the financial aspect often takes precedence over sporting and idealistic values.
The preparation and realisation of the games represent an enormous economic burden for the host cities and countries. Large sums are often invested in infrastructure that is hardly used after the Games. These “white elephants” lead to debt and economic problems for the local communities.
Another problem is the growing pressure on athletes, which leads to increased use of performance-enhancing drugs. Doping scandals undermine the credibility of the Games and call into question the ethical foundations of sport.
The Games have been and continue to be politically instrumentalised. Boycotts and political statements are not uncommon, which runs counter to the actual aim of promoting peace.
Paralympics and raising awareness in society
The Paralympic Games, which have been officially organised since 1960, have played an important role in promoting awareness and inclusion of people with disabilities.
The Paralympics provide a platform for athletes with disabilities to showcase their abilities and achievements. They help to break down prejudice and discrimination and promote understanding and acceptance of people with disabilities in society. Media coverage of the Paralympics helps to draw attention to the challenges and successes of these athletes.
The stories of Paralympic athletes are often inspiring and motivating. They show how people can achieve extraordinary feats despite physical limitations. These stories can serve as strong role models and encourage other people to overcome their own challenges.
Hosting the Paralympics also has a practical impact as it often leads to improvements in accessibility and infrastructure in host cities. This can have lasting benefits for people with disabilities in these regions. In addition, the Paralympics can drive political and social change by raising awareness of the rights and needs of people with disabilities.
Conclusion
The initial Olympic idea was characterised by high ideals of peace and international understanding. However, significant commercial and ethical problems have manifested themselves in the modern realisation of these Games. While the Games continue to provide a unique platform for sporting competition and international encounters, it is important not to lose sight of the original ideals and to find ways to limit commercialisation and its negative effects.
The Paralympic Games have played a significant role in raising awareness and inclusion of people with disabilities. They promote equality, inspire through exceptional achievements and lead to practical improvements in society. The combination of the Olympic and Paralympic Games provides a comprehensive platform to celebrate and promote the values of peace, friendship and human excellence.
