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Defining "Olympic Spirit"
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Olympic Spirit is a truly universal concept, widely recognized but rarely specifically defined. To illustrate the
essence and meaning of Olympic Spirit, DHL has asked leaders of the Olympic Movement to describe in a few words,
what Olympic Spirit means to them:
"There is a spirit that dwells inside all of us that governs our thoughts, our emotions, our desires, our motives, our faith and our fears. These define who we are. The Olympic Spirit captures everyday people who have faced great adversity and have overcome tremendous odds to reach their greatest physical challenge. The award is given to a person that not only captures the hearts of millions across the world, but whose participation inspires us to greatness, encourages us to chase our dreams, challenges us to new heights, and confirms our theory that within everyone there is spirit that makes anything possible."
"The Olympic Spirit is not easily defined. It is unique to anyone who participates in any Olympic Games in any capacity. It shows itself through the stories and performances of every Olympic Athlete. It becomes obvious when you witness athletes overcoming personal tragedy, injury, or giving their best effort on the 'biggest global stage.' All of us, all over the world set aside our differences for the duration of the Games. We are all inspired to improve our own lives and care for each other more by embracing these stories and great athletic achievements. So where does the Olympic Spirit exist? Everywhere. In everyone. The Olympic Games just lets us feel it, celebrate it, and see it much more clearly."
"To me, the Olympic Spirit has always meant something special. It's about athletes dedicating their lives to excellence, sportsmanship, and the ideals that the Olympic Games represent. It's about persevering against long odds, about ordinary people achieving extraordinary things. And most of all, it's about bringing the world together on a peaceful stage, striving to be the best you can be, and representing your country with pride."
"For me Olympic Spirit is about living and competing with integrity, honor and courage -- never giving up in pursuit of a dream, and holding your head high no matter the outcome. It's giving your very best and not looking back. It also means going the extra mile to lend a helping hand, and inspire others throughout the journey."
"The Spirit of the Paralympic Games helps us see past our differences and lets us come together in the name of humanity. The Paralympic Spirit enables us to showcase our physical differences and abilities with dignity and pride, which encourages us to see the possibilities not only within ourselves, but also in others. An athlete's journey towards perfection is often times paved with mud, blood, sweat and tears, and yet these obstacles become the very stepping stones that help us rise to the occasion. The Paralympic Spirit helps us recognize and remember those who helped us realize our potential."
"On the final day of the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, I was sitting in the press room at the Coliseum when I heard an odd noise, like the rushing of water. I wandered through the underground hallways and came upon a scene that epitomized, to me, the Olympic Spirit. The athletes of the world were arriving through a tunnel to prepare for the Closing Ceremony. As each walked in, they passed through two lines of young volunteers. The first volunteer was asking each athlete his country. Then she would call out the name of the country. As the athlete continued, the volunteers cheered him or her and reached out to shake their hand, saying, "Thank you for coming. Be safe on your way home." I will never forget the smiles on the faces of the athletes. This was truly the Olympic Spirit."
© 2007 DHL Express (USA), Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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