By Lewis and Alex from Comberton Village College, South Cambridgeshire
Olympic School Reporters, Beijing |
 As we come towards the final stages of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, we are engrossed in the hype surrounding new world records and gold medals galore. It is within this period that I think we should reflect back at the core objectives of the Olympic Games and what this spectacular event is really about. Earlier on in the week, I was at the Wukesong Indoor Stadium to watch a basketball match between Belarus and Latvia and it was at this event that I began to realise that the Olympics is more than a showcase of sporting talent. For some nations, it is a celebration of pride and of a sense of status in what is usually a world of hierarchy and prejudice towards the large, powerful countries. .  |
 I think that these games are a lot bigger and safer than previous games and I think China have tried very hard to show off their country
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An example of a nation who feel in this way is Latvia, who is a former soviet state who has gone from strength to strength since its independence in 1994, and has high hopes for the future of sport in its nation. Me and my friend Alex were lucky enough to meet the Secretary General of the Latvian Olympic Committee Einars Fogelis who had this to say about the Olympic Games in Beijing "I think the games are excellent, of course it is a little crowded as always but I think the Chinese people have exceeded my expectations, especially when it comes to security. The athletes feel safe and the games have a glorious feel to them" When asked about how Beijing compared to other Olympics the Latvian team has been involved with Mr Fogelis responded "I think that these games are a lot bigger and safer than previous games and I think China have tried very hard to show off their country" Mr Fogelis also said that he thought that there would be no surprises when it comes to the medal table and that the USA, China and Russia would dominate the games. He also told us how he thought that some of the smaller countries were respected more at these games and how over the last week he felt extremely proud to be Latvian. Reflecting on this, I think we have to look back at the Olympic charter written by Pierre de Coubertin in the late 19th century in which the goal of the Olympic Movement was addressed to the world. "The Olympics hopes to contribute building a peaceful and better world by educating youth through sport practised without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit, which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play." It is because of this, that I hope you will take a moment to think of all those nations who might not have won 50 gold medals or broken 10 world records, but have definitely contributed heavily towards this ethos and have made the Olympics what they are today.
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