Friday, February 7, 2014

Haiku My Heart: The XXII Olympiad



The Olympic Games:
Years of training and hard work,
Medals born from dreams.


Four years ago, the Olympic Games were held in Vancouver, Canada.  It was such an exciting and proud time for Canadians, not just because we had the honour and responsibility for hosting athletes from all over the world but because it was our best performance ever - 26 medals in total.  14 of those medals were gold, the highest number of gold medals won by a country in a single Winter Olympics to date.

As this year's Games begin in Sochi, Russia, amidst so much controversy about overspending, alleged corruption and unfinished construction, recently imposed controversial legislation denying basic rights for homosexuals and increased fears over security threats, we can only hope that the main purpose of the Games: "to help to build a better world through sport practised in a spirit of peace, excellence, friendship and respect" (source: olympic.org) will prevail.  Maybe the Games are a colossal waste of time, effort and money but now that they are here, I can't help but feel the excitement.

Whether they win medals or not, I am incredibly proud of all the athletes who are gathering in Sochi. The skills and accomplishments that have brought them this far are worthy of our respect.  Just being there is an honour and for the next two weeks, those of us sitting at home on the couch watching the Games on TV will be cheering on our fellow countrymen and women as they compete to stand on the podium.

Go Canada!


Haiku My Heart is hosted by recuerda_mi_corazon.  Please click on the link to read more.


9 comments:

rebecca said...

dear cynthia,
i missed your bright smile in the heart of san miguel. i imagine every one who has ever traveled there and carry you all close to my heart.

"to help to build a better world through sport practiced in a spirit of peace, excellence, friendship and respect"

if we could all live this way each and every day, what a wonderful world it would be!

xo

Lea said...

I can tell... that you will look for the best in all that gather during these games... enjoy these amazing people and the gifts they bring to the world! Thank you Cynthia!

Reading Pleasure said...

A wonderful haiku. Here's to a great event!

Unknown said...

If only we could leave the politics at home and enjoy these amazing kids and let them enjoy this world gathering!

ms pie said...

it is good to remember what it all is for... as I watch the Olympics I shall remember that verse.... ms pie

Nonnie USA said...

I think that politics muddies the waters of the Olympics' intention. Right now, with so many terrorist danger surrounding Sochi, I will pray for the safety of all the teams.

Gillena Cox said...

Olympics
uniting
force

(◕‿◕。) have a nice Friday
Much Love…

kaykuala said...

Would be wonderful if the Olympics should be free of politics! That will be in keeping with the original intentions and ideals! Nicely Cynthia!

Hank

Laura said...

May these Olympic games forge friendships among the young athletes and all people witnessing their courage and beauty.