It has come to a close and I am sad to see the Olympics come to an end. My son, four, became a fan while intently watching the games over the last two weeks. Tonight while watching the closing ceremonies he knew the Bird's Nest, the Water Cube as well as Shawn Johnson. He became a fan. While in the pool a week ago he 
wanted to be Michael Phelps. He did the freestyle, breaststroke and jumped into the pool as if he were competing in the backstroke. Last night while at the Iowa Soccer Complex we sat on the grassy hillside and he was doing his best to stand on his head as if here were Shawn Johnson on the balance beam. He asked if basketball was over, if we could go to China, and why did the Olympics have to be over. He was a fan of volleyball, whether it was inside or on the beach. And he watched table tennis intently to see how the game is played, although he thinks dad and him could compete wi
th the world's best in our basement.
wanted to be Michael Phelps. He did the freestyle, breaststroke and jumped into the pool as if he were competing in the backstroke. Last night while at the Iowa Soccer Complex we sat on the grassy hillside and he was doing his best to stand on his head as if here were Shawn Johnson on the balance beam. He asked if basketball was over, if we could go to China, and why did the Olympics have to be over. He was a fan of volleyball, whether it was inside or on the beach. And he watched table tennis intently to see how the game is played, although he thinks dad and him could compete wi
th the world's best in our basement.To those who believe that the Olympics are an idea whose time has past, I do not understand. The Olympics is an event we need. In two weeks the world's attention focused on the best athletes from around the world. A war broke out in the old Soviet Republic of Georgia and due to the playing of the games, it was over quickly. Once again, this is what is so great about sport. It is unscripted. It is competition. It is something that can bring the world together. My son had never heard of China, but had so many questions about it over the past two weeks. He
got to witness a different culture otherwise only taught from a schoolbook. And that is what the games should be about. We learn about others and their way of life. We go to war on the athletic fields, rather than destroying homes and lives of innocent people. To those who don't believe in the Olympic Spirit are truly missing out on much.
got to witness a different culture otherwise only taught from a schoolbook. And that is what the games should be about. We learn about others and their way of life. We go to war on the athletic fields, rather than destroying homes and lives of innocent people. To those who don't believe in the Olympic Spirit are truly missing out on much.I said I would post pictures from Salt Lake City. My wife and I were there in 2002. I hope we can take my son to Vancouver in 2010 or London in 2012. You will find the Olympic flame, the medalists from the Women's Downhill and the Ski Jumping Venue.
No comments:
Post a Comment