THE Christians, especially the extremists will always tell you that the ultimate for a Christian is a visit to Isreal for the Holy pilgrimage. Muslims on the other hand will tell you that it is a taboo for a Muslim not to visit Mecca in his or her life time. For the idol worshippers, I don’t really know their own preferred place of spiritual torism but for an athlete or a footballer, the ultimate is Olympics.
Every two years, the Olympics and its media exposure provide the athletes with the chance to attain national and international fame. The Games also provide an opportunity for the host city and Country to showcase themselves to the World.
In this edition a total number of 13 main meals would be served at the games village.
Olympics is considered the World’s foremost Sports competition with more than 200 teams representing sovereign nations and territories participating.
According to the Wikipedia, the Olympic games are special because of their history and traditional flame, the rings,and the emotional experience of being part of it, together with all the nations and all the varying events, different people all equal as competitors, loving Sport. The Games also have social and political relevance. No wonder, Nigeria committed a whopping 12 billion Naira to execute the 2024 edition.
The ultimate goals are to cultivate human beings, through Sport and contribute to World peace.
This year edition begins officially today in Paris, one the most beautiful city in the World.
Thus, a visit to Paris is everybody’s dream to the extent that the Soviet Union then christened the phrase” see Paris and die. It was the Soviet Union version of Jordan Wolfgang von Goethe’s famous “ Vedi Napoli e poi Muori” meaning that seeing Paris was and is the ultimate fulfillment of life’ s aspiration, with nothing else left to experience. The city motto is “ Fluctuat nec mergitur “ (she) is tossed by the waves but does not sink. The Traditional colour of the city are red and blue.
Yes, Paris is the city of light, renowned for architectural beauty, art and culture. The nickname, “city of light “ often piques the curiosity of travellers and history enthusiasts. Paris is also called the “ city of love” because it offers a romantic experience like no other. Exploration is the key there, so many often ditch the itinerary and often wander around.
Today, the 2024 Olympics will kick start and from reports available, the city of Paris is already bubbling with romance, yes, plenty of romance for everyone present.
The game is global and that is evident by the number of athletes featuring in the events.
For Nigeria, the dream of many athletes have come through and the ball is now in their court to deliver.
Nigeria will participate in Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Boxing, Canoeing, Cycling, Football, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Weightlifting, and Wrestling. A total of 88 athletes will represent the Country and one only hopes they live up to expectations.
Perhaps, the hope of Nigeria winning medals rest solely on Athletics and may be Wrestling and Boxing.
At the Atlanta 96, Chioma Ajunwa gave Nigeria its first Gold while Falilat Ogunkoya and Mary Onyali won bronze medals each. The 400×4 Women made up.of Fatimah Yesuf, Olabisi Afolabi, Charity Opara and Falilat Ogunkoya teamed up to win the Silver medal. Few years later, Enefiok Udo Obong won medals to give Nigeria an edge over other African Countries.
Our bane in the Country is that a lot of our governors do not recognise the importance of Sports in Nation building and the glory that follows when athletes bring honour to the Country.
Recently, the Federal House of Representative empowered the athletes with a sum.of 100 million Naira to motivate and support believing that the donation will go a long way if judiciously used, in solving many issues as the games move on.
With the release of 12 billion Naira by the Federal Government, issues relating to camp or training allowances should be paid and any other thing that will cause distraction or bring shame to the Country must be avoided.
The Sports Minister has already declared that they are committed to providing our athletes with the best possible support to help them succeed.
The burden to perform well now rest squarely on the shoulders of long jumper Ese Brume and the Queen of track and World record holder in the 100m Women’s hurdles Tobi Amusan. Already, she has been named the flagbearer of the games while unknown Badminton player, Anuoluwapo Opeyemi has also been named as the General Team Captain.
The choice of Amusan is good as that will motivate her to do what she is known for. In fact, she will become the cynosure of all eyes when athletic events begin. So the message to these two ladies and others is” see Paris and die” They should rise up to the occasion and deliver. To whom much is given, much is expected.
