I am disappointed that the original intention of international Olympism — 'to organise Physical Education', 'sportmanship', 'healthy mind in a healthy body' — is too often sabotaged by politics. (Olympic Charter 1933)
The Fundamental Principles of Olympism remind me of my view of the Doukhobor Movement: 'a philosophy of life, exalting and combining in a balanced whole the qualities of body, will and mind... to create a way of life based on the joy of effort, the educational value of good example and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles…harmonious development of man, with a view to promoting a peaceful society concerned with the preservation of human dignity... a human right...without discrimination of any kind…mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play.... Any form of discrimination with regard to a country or a person on grounds of race, religion, politics, gender or otherwise is incompatible with belonging to the... Movement.'
The UK Guardian lists 17 political abuses of the the games since Berlin in 1936, despite their principles.
In 1980, I was a Canadian photojournalist at the 22nd Summer World Olympics in Moscow when several western countries boycotted the games that year because of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan a few months earlier. I was disappointed then, and now by the boycott.
Again this year several western countries are considering a political boycott of the Russian Olympic hosts over too little freedom for 'gays' (LBGT), and too much freedom for whistle-blower Snowden, though they attended the 2008 Olympics in China (another Eastern nation seeking legitimacy). (Harper, Obama to both skip Sochi Olympics, CTV News, December 19, 2013.)
How can Canada and the U.S. accuse Russia of violating human rights when we have so much inequality here? We are not a perfect example.
International friendship and tolerance is the basis for the Olympics. All countries have to work together in order to minimise harmful inequalities and maximise sustainability, to ensure that peace, clean environment, friendly infrastructure including affordable housing for all, free health care and education, and good governance are guaranteed to all people. The Olympics is a great opportunity to reinforce this unity of purpose.
I say: “Let the Sochi Games begin!”
All world leaders, including Obama and Harper, must be brave enough to go to Sochi and show their respect for Olympism. Let the Olympic dream of a peaceful and just world community evolve through time, effort and respect.
