Remembering What the Olympics Means When Visiting Vancouver's 2010 Winter Games

The first Olympic Games took place over 3,000 years ago in Greece but in AD 393, the Olympics came to an end and were not considered again until 1889. In 1894, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) was formed and the Games began in 1896 in Athens, Greece. At this time 285 people from 13 countries competed. These Games are a place where the world's athletes can meet and compete. But it means much more than that.

Since 1896 the Games have been held every four years with the exception of the World War years of 1916, 1940 and 1944. The Winter Games were first held in Chamonix, France in 1924 with 300 athletes representing 16 nations. In the 2010 Winter Games, there are 5,500 athletes and officials representing 82 countries.

The five rings featured at all Olympics Games represent five continents. These five rings are interlaced to display the universality of the Olympics. The Games were originally encouraged to promote world peace.

As the media has followed the torch across Canada from one community to another, one can see that it has promoted unity, friendship and fellowship between provinces, communities and neighbors. The torch, on its longest relay in Olympian history, has broken through racial and economic borders with the enthusiasm and excitement it has engendered.

And while watching the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Games, I saw how the province of British Columbia, home to the 2010 Games, threw its arms wide to embrace and welcome the world into their lives. The city of Vancouver, like anyone expecting guests from out of town that they haven't seen for a long time, polished and prepared their city for its important guests; people from around the world.

As the athletes meet each other and compete for the various medals to take back to their home countries, they have a wonderful opportunity to continue to promote this unity and friendship that was so obvious during the torch relay. As the athletes work together, perhaps friendships will evolve and endure. They have much in common - they are all determined, willing to work hard, self-disciplined and focused.
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Hopefully, while this historic even unfolds, one of the meanings of the Olympics, which is to foster world peace, will continue and will unite the world in friendship and love. When we get to know our neighbors from around the world, we will realize they are much like us. I believe the promotion of world unity and peace can best be achieved by individuals working together.