The Olympics Philosophy
The Olympic Games as an international movement were designed to promote friendship and peace among countries; thus was stablished by its founder Pierre de Coubertin on June 23rd, 1894. Originally, the Olympic Games at Olympia were intended to establish a truce between fighting nations for as long as the Olympic Games lasted. This truce guaranteed athletes and people safe staying while the Olympics were performed. In the present, the same truce, is represented by the dove of peace, the lit torch which must be kept burning during the entire Olympic Games celebration, and the Olympics unity symbol, represented by five rings, each symbolizing one of the five inhabited continents of the world.
What is Olympism?
The term Olympism is a philosophy of life that combines the qualities of body, will, and mind as a whole to the efforts while doing sports. These qualities are not only linked to sports, but to every aspect of ones culture and education. The pursuit of this ideal inspires the creation of a series of values, which cannot only be applied to sports, but also to individuals living their every day life. With this in mind, the following values have been instituted:
Excellence
This value inspires optimal effort while competing in the filed of sports, and also to excel in every aspect of life.
Not looking at the opponent as the one to defeat, but to overcome one´s personal objectives with determination and the best effort. Seeking to combine the body, will, and mind to reach one´s individual objectives in sports and daily lives.
Friendship
All genders, men and women, involved in the Olympic movement are encouraged to promote mutual understanding through harmonious cohesion, good team attitude, enjoyment, and positiveness during and after the Olympic event. The celebration of the Olympic Games inspires nations around the world to erradicate any differences that could be interfering with good development in every aspect of life, and instead, create strong bonds of friendship with other teammates and competitors, as well as with other cultures.
Respect
This value represents the approach with which every competitor should address all who participate in the sporting event. It encompasses self- esteem and respect for others; for the environment and the rules governing the event. It also includes respect for the body; and the restriction of using illegal substances for high performance.
The Flame and Torch Relay
The Olympic flame, in present day, represents the positive values that humanity has always associated with fire. The torch is first lit at Olympia in Greece, linking the ancient origin of the games with the present day. From Olympia, the lit torch is carried to the site of the Olympic Games. In the hosting city, the flame is carried by numerous torchbearers, emphasizing the Olympic Games and re-transmitting the message of friendship and peace.
Olympic Maxim
The most essential part in being part of the Olympic Games is not to win but to compete. Thus was stated by Pierre de Coubertin when he promoted sports as an essential way of stimulating harmony, friendship, and peace among individuals:
"The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win, but to take part; the important thing in life is not triumph, but the struggle; the essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well."
The same principle is encouraged at each event of the Olympic Games every four years. The next instalment of the Olympics will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and the lit torch is already there, being carried and promoting the values stated in the Olympic Maxim.