Breathe
By Karla Daniela Alfaro
In the spirit of togetherness, let the games begin! After 100 years, the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games are returning to one of their first homes: Paris 2024 is about to begin.
In the streets of Paris, little by little, large posters with the Olympic flags appear: beyond the simple advertisements on the streets that had been present for months, the Olympic and Paralympic flags can be seen rising and being displayed in the most symbolic places of this ancient city. In contrast to the chaos of the city, the white flags, synonymous with the union of nations, begin to wave and greet whoever notices them.
From its origins in ancient Greece to the modern era, the Olympic Games have been much more than a mere sporting competition: they have represented a profound intertwining with humanity, reflecting the most fundamental and human values aimed at the yearning for a united and hopeful society.
The Olympic Games date back to the 8th century BC, when the ancient Greek polis gathered every four years in Olympia to celebrate this event. They were not only a competition of athletic skills, but also a religious and cultural festival that venerated the gods and promoted peace among the Greek city-states.
Something to note is that at that time, during the games a sacred truce was proclaimed, the "ekecheiria", which temporarily suspended any conflict between peoples, thus allowing the free movement of athletes and spectators. Even in times of war, humanity overcame and unity was achieved.
This ideal of peace through sport is one of the most important pillars of the Olympic values that have endured to this day. Beyond the socio-cultural and political complexity of the landscape in which we present ourselves, the Olympic and Paralympic Games seek neutrality, unity and pride in seeing human beings discover new limits to their capabilities.
The modern Olympic Movement initiated by Pierre de Coubertin in 1896 is based on three essential values: excellence, friendship and respect. These values sought not only the physical and mental development of athletes, but also the creation of a better and more peaceful world through sport.
In the modern era, the Olympic Games have evolved into a global symbol of unity and hope. At each edition, millions of people from around the world gather to celebrate not only sport, but also diversity and shared humanity. In the case of the Paralympic Games, this spirit is turned into something more: self-improvement is taken to superhuman levels and the ultimate human expression of struggle and perseverance is brought to the stage.
This event has the unique ability to transcend geographical, cultural and political barriers, offering a space where all countries can participate on equal terms.
During the Games, the world stops to watch athletes demonstrate not only their physical prowess, but also their spirit of perseverance and resilience - the most intrinsic characteristics of being human.
The stories of athletes overcoming personal and collective obstacles to achieve their goals inspire millions, showing that, despite our differences, we share a common desire for peace, justice and progress.
In our times of global crisis and uncertainty, the Olympic Games take on an even greater significance: They become hope, demonstrating that, despite difficulties, conflicts and tension, it is possible to find time and reasons to celebrate and unite.
One of the main teachings when preparing to be part of the team that supports the good development and fulfillment of each of the elements that make up the logistics of the games, is that conduct described as "bienveillance", translated in Spanish slightly as kindness. It is repeated over and over again as an essential element of the expected framework and code of conduct.
However, in the intentional scenario, it symbolizes much more than that: It means to see beyond differences, to seek human connection at any cost, to be ready to support in any situation and at any time, to know that being part of the organizing committees of the games carries with it the responsibility to put human values at the top.
Today, on the streets of Paris there is a bubbling nervousness about the weeks ahead: a palpable excitement about the party that is about to begin, the transformation it represents for the city and the opportunity to celebrate unity and the human spirit through the Olympic Games.
*Degree in humanistic and social studies.
She is part of the group of volunteers who will be supporting those who will participate in the Olympic competition in Paris 2024.
The opinions expressed are the responsibility of the authors and are absolutely independent of the position and editorial line of the company. Opinion 51.
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