Life lessons your kids can learn from the Olympics
The Summer Olympic Games, organised every four years and currently being held in Tokyo, Japan, were originally planned for the year 2020. But with all the restrictions caused by the pandemic that started earlier that year, they were postponed. A year later, the Olympic Games finally started on 23rd July 2021 and will run on till 8th August. Thousands of athletes are competing with proper Covid safety precautions in place, all spectators banned from the stands. They are featuring 33 sports at 339 events across 42 venues.
However, it’s not just this wide variety of sporting events that make Olympics such an exciting event for every athlete and sports fan out there. More than just the medallists, it’s the hard work, dedication and the journey of every participating athlete that light a fire in the hearts of the spectators. Additionally, there are certain life skills and values that these games teach us all, including your kids.
Respecting the self as well as others
The Olympics provide an opportunity for individuals from all walks of life, of varying cultures and experiences, of differing views and values to come together and compete on an international stage. Once on the field, all competitors are just that: athletes. The Olympics try to break the barriers of prejudice and hatred in society on the basis of power, caste, colour, economic or social status. It teaches the youth what it means to respect diversity.
As a true testimony to this spirit, Abbey D’Agostino (USA) and Nikki Hamblin (NZ) hugged each other on finally finishing the race at the Rio Olympics 2016. Similarly, third place winner Mo Farah congratulated Phillian Athlete Rene Herrera who came in last at the 500m event at the London Olympics, 2012 for showing perseverance and finishing the race.
Valuing effort and excellence
Success is driven by excellence, not the other way around. The perseverance that athletes show to become better at their games sets an incredible example for others. Usian Bolt, who lost the 2004 Athens Olympics, is now the fastest man in the world. A person needs to be bold and unabashedly chase their dreams, strive for excellence, and aim for glory to reach the goals they have set for themselves.
Fair play and friendship
Playing within the rules is fundamental to sportsmanship. Not only does it lend to a sense of true achievement and growth for the athletes but also fosters a healthy atmosphere for budding friendships off the field. These friendships are what become the headliners of these events and lend true meaning to the Olympics, ushering in a sense of harmony amongst diverse individuals.
Striking a balance
It is easy to lose oneself in the pursuit of a greater goal. The chase for glory can overtake every other aspect of life such that athletes forget about taking care of their mental health and personal lives. The focus of Olympic values is to create a growing environment for a balanced approach.