LettersWhy the Olympics goes beyond sporting glory: it’s a chance to cheer what unites
- The soft power of sporting events carries the hope that barriers can be broken between peoples, cultures and nations
International sporting events such as the Tokyo Olympic Games bring together athletes and spectators from around the world and allow participating nations, if only for the duration of the event, to set aside their political differences and celebrate each other’s sporting excellence.
In a civilised and pluralistic world, events such as the Olympics increase cultural exchange and enhance the understanding of and respect for other cultures.
It also provides a chance for government officials to break the ice in bilateral or multilateral relationships, especially in view of various high tensions and hostilities between nations in the global geopolitical climate. The soft power of sporting events carries the hope that between sporting nations, such tensions can be released and the ice successfully broken.
International sporting events also bring businesses together. The varied and massive organisational needs of the Olympics unite companies across sectors and borders in a common enterprise, helping to break down the barriers between peoples, cultures and countries. For such sporting events, the advertising revenue involved is also immense, as thousands crowd into stadiums and millions watch live broadcasts around the world.
People of different nationalities may come together in the host country or watch the broadcast from different places at the same time. But everybody, regardless of language or nationality, can share the same moment and a common memory – such as the precise moment when an athlete wins a groundbreaking medal or sets a new world record. It increases the commonality between peoples – it enhances global harmony.
Sporting events draw support. In cheering on their team, whether local or national, people draw on their sense of belonging and identity – and collectively deepen these feelings in the process. These athletes represent us and their sporting victories bring us a deep sense of honour and pride. Their sporting triumphs and failures unify us equally deeply as we share their despair and celebrate their successes.