Re: "Lessons from the London Olympics", Opinion, August 14
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The excellent list of lessons generated by the just-concluded Olympic Games in London, well composed by Achara Deboonmee, can be completed.
Indeed, even without having immediate visibility, a major lesson emerging from phenomenal events like the Beijing and London Olympics is the undeniable capacity of sports to play a positive role in promoting peace and facilitating reconciliation.
The Olympic Games represent an educational mega-programme able to inspire young people around the world to embrace, embody and express the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect. Civilised explosions of national pride cannot be excluded.
But at the same time it should be recalled that the Olympics and Paralympics are expected to deliver long-term social, economic, environmental and sporting benefits, helping to promote stable, inclusive and peaceful communities and urban regeneration, addressing climate change, enhancing international relations and cooperation, and changing attitudes to disability.
Moreover, the Games are not only an engine of fame, but also splendid occasions to help representatives of younger generations around the world to enrich their lives through sports.
Ioan Voicu
Bangkok
