How would you answer this essay question about the Olympic Games?
Olympic Games Essay
Some people say that the Olympic Games no longer play a role in the 21st century
The Olympic Games are representative of many positive aspects of society and the world at large and therefore have always been extremely important. In my opinion, the Olympic Games still have a role in this century, and this essay discusses why the games will most probably continue to be both vital and popular worldwide in the future.
The Games represent the highest level in sporting achievement and bring together countries from all over the world to promote sports and compete against each other. International sports events and competitions such as the Olympic Games show how nations can be competitive without rivalry leading to conflict. They can cooperate without compromising their integrity and share in the ideals of the Olympics, which most aspire to; determination, dedication, and excellence. These are not only athletic attributes but also critical skills for students and young people to learn. Such characteristics are crucial for excelling in life in whichever area they wish to participate in, be it sports, academic or artistic.
There is no valid argument that the Games are no longer important solely because we are now in the 21st century. This world-famous sports extravaganza is a competition of athletic talent in its purest form and, as such, if no longer relevant, then competition at any level would also be deemed irrelevant. That would signify that domestic football and soccer leagues would not be important and athletes and university sports teams should not bother to compete against each other to see who is faster, stronger, better, or superior at any particular skill. Competing is one of the essential and intrinsic characteristics of people, whether in sport or business. According to the Oxford dictionary, one of the definitions of "Olympic" is "worthy of an olympian". We all know that being an Olympic champion involves a combination of physical and mental determination required by the athlete. The level of preparation needed to win a gold medal is enormous; otherwise, there wouldn't be any need for so much training and preparation.
Moreover, the Olympic Games continue playing a role in maintaining international relations and world peace. Each host country also benefits culturally and financially from hosting the event. The indisputable and true function of the Olympic games is to promote peace and cooperation between nations. The international platform provided by the Games helps to ease relations and solve problems; it is also a grand stage for international diplomacy. Nowadays, since conflict resolution has become increasingly complex, the Olympic Games have become an indispensable part of the international reconciliation process.
Humankind has always endeavored to go farther, travel faster, and improve upon what is at present. It is what drives evolution and allows us to make progress by constantly attempting to do something better. The Olympic Games have evolved over many years just as humankind has, and they continue to be highly relevant today and will be in the future. The Games are symbolic of many attributes that humans value highly and are a truly global event that all countries share in. For this reason, there is no doubt that the Olympic Games, and sports in general, have a vital role to play in the 21st century.
Discussion Questions - The Olympic games
1. What do you think the future of the Olympics looks like?
2. Do you think athletes should be allowed to protest at any time while competing or only at socially opportune moments on medal ceremonies?
3. Considering how often it occurs, what is your opinion on "performance-enhancing" doping in sports?
4. Who is your favorite athlete to watch compete in this year's games? Why?
5. Have any of these athletes made a statement about social injustices or other political issues before the games started? If so, what did they do and why did they do it?
6. If the Olympics were held in your hometown, would it seem like a big deal or not so much? Why?
7. If there was no Olympic committee, what events would be the pinnacle of sports today? Explain why these types of competitions are superior to Olympics events.
8. Are you in favor with how commercialized and intense these games have become?
9. What one thing do you think will make the Olympic games a more valuable experience?
10. What is your opinion on hosting tournaments for less well-known sports such as cliff diving?