CISV and the Olympic Games

A while back, I friend of mine posted on Facebook that the Olympic Village in Vancouver looks like a CISV camp: Full of flags! The more I thought about it, the more I liked her analogy. Last year, I was an adult leader at a Village Camp for CISV. I was responsible for 4 children who were 11 years old, and we traveled across Canada to meet another 56 children and 20 adults. We spent a month playing, learning about each others cultures, teaching others about our countries, correcting stereotypes, and Building Global Friendship. It was a wonderful summer, a wonderful experience, and one that I can't wait to repeat (although I won't be able to go this summer for lack of vacation time). The children at camp were chosen to represent their countries, their culture and their beliefs. 

At camp, there were people representing 4 of the 5 continents, and although not every child spoke fluent English, everyone was able to communicate and to have a great experience. There wasn't any competition, and there wasn't anyone trying to prove they were the best in something, but I think I can relate to some of its aspects to the Olympic Games here in Vancouver. First, the games gather together people from over 80 countries in the world. These countries, from  all 5 continents) might or not have a history with winter sports, but somehow, these athletes fell in love with the art of the North Pole, and here they are.

Some people will be watching them carefully, wishing they were in the athletes place. Over 5000 of them made their way to the Olympics. Some of these will go back home with with a medal. Some will have realized the experience of merely participating in the games. I can already see (and hear) lots of children that are seeing these magic moments, and will grow up with a dream. A dream to participate in the games in a distance, or not so much, future. It's common to watch interview with winners and they'll comment on their heroes and the inspirational moment that started the dream. 

If you ask me, I'd love to be participating in the events outside the competition. I see the Olympic Villages as a big Village Camp with people from all over. They're here to compete, and I doubt there is one who will come thinking they're here just for "being," but besides the games, when their competition is over, I bet they socialize, talk, enjoy and meet people from all over the world. I have many friends volunteering for the Olympics ( and I'm sad I didn't apply sooner, but I wasn't sure I'd have time between classes and work) and I can see all that goes on behind the scenes, with the lounge room where athletes can relax in the Village, or the place where they eat, live and sleep during the games. It's normal to see the athletes hanging out downtown, watching their friends competitions, and even in the skytrain. After all, they're just normal people (with special talents of course!).
 

As we approach the end of the games, I saw only one sore loser who didn't accept the silver. All other times, people were congratulating each other, and some athletes even train together although they compete for different countries. There are athletes who changed countries to be able to compete, those who are competing for their parents citizenship. It doesn't make a difference. In the end, they're here, and they're participating in the magic. As I said before, just as a CISV camp has a peace education program, the games serve the purpose of healthy competition, instead of irrational rivalry. I hope everyone taking part in the games enjoy them as much as possible. It is a magical event that happens only so often, and for the 5000 athletes, 25000 volunteers, thousands of workers and spectators, will forever leave a mark. Just like my summer Camp.