The games of the XXXI Olympiad are well underway. With a record number of countries participating in a record number of sports, Rio 2016 is a showcase of those who aspire to achieve the Olympic motto of Citius, Altius, Fortius: swifter, higher, stronger. These attributes, rekindled by Pierre de Coubertin in 1908, make us mindful of the preparation, determination and effort required to represent one’s country let alone reach the podium.
As the world watches these games unfold, I hope people will take the Olympic motto to heart. Our global village has shrunken considerably over the decades and it is at times such as this, in the spirit of friendly competition, that we observe first-hand the efforts and sacrifices of individuals, of teams, of countries, to partake. There are countless stories of those who persevered through overwhelming adversity to fulfill a dream to participate in the Olympic Games.
The Olympic Creed reminds us of the true purposes of these games: “The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well.” Far too often I hear the critique of armchair pundits who get all frowny-faced over results that did not go well. The pressure is on for our competitors. Expectations are at an all-time high for Canadian success but is the level of support our athletes receive at the same level of expectation?
Canada invests but a modest amount in our athletes. They rely on sponsorship, grants, and the good graces of others to maintain a schedule of training that keeps them competitive. Corporate Canada often supports through commercial sales but as a nation, perhaps we can aspire for swifter, higher, and stronger ways to support our Olympians? That might be more meaningful than an “I’m loving it” slogan on a soft drink cup or burger box. If we do not bat an eyelash at multi-million dollar professional sport contracts, surely we can open our eyes to the continued need to support our “amateur” athletes. If they can muster a Herculean effort surely we can at least lend a hand in support?
The official motto of the 2016 Summer Games is “Um mondo novo” which from Portuguese translates to “a new world.” Despite the trials, tribulations and criticism the host nation has endured in putting on these games, there is a sense of achievement, a sense of accomplishment. This is key in a city and country that are the first to host such games in South America. We know that poverty and corruption are in the shadows of the bright arena lights. As witnessed at the last Winter Games, we know that gracious hosting and wide smiles of a national leader meant nothing two weeks following when Ukraine was invaded. Certainly that was not how the Olympic Creed was to be interpreted.
I hope the Rio games can remind us of the human story behind each athlete. I hope we will all appreciate the level of fight that each game will bring. I hope we will all aspire to go swifter, higher and faster in realizing the “new world” these games seek to herald. Go Canada!
Tim Cusack is an educator, writer and member of the naval reserve.
