"Why can't we just get along?" - Rodney King

The 1996 Atlantic Olympics - from the cheap seats. Photo by Mike McLellan

   We have been to two Olympics.  One was in Los Angeles and the other Atlanta, Georgia.
One thing stood out. Even with its politics and national pride, the games depend on three groups and affirm them all.
The first are the athletes.  Each one is a representative of their country, but also a citizen of the world. To watch them is to be struck by mutual respect they have for one another.
The second are those who officiate. They too have spent years learning both the sport and the rules.  They come with a pledge of national impartiality.  It is a difficult job.
Then, there is that third group.  It is comprised of people from all over the world.  They gather to mingle, share meals and to marvel at the events they come to watch.  At most sports, the onlookers are only that.  At the Olympics the spectators are part of the event.
People like me with two bum knees can feel as if our presence is important, needed and valued.  Your significance exceeds the fact you bought a ticket.  You give meaning to the competition.
Everyone there was a participant, joining to share a common experience.
At the games in Atlanta, my trick knee had played a trick on me and I was forced to wear a leg brace and use a cane.  Hobbling became my way of transportation.
Not being able to bend my knee meant that we had to have our seats changed to handicapped ones. Now, to be fair, they were not being used by others although they were great seats in every venue.
At the Olympic stadium we had – you understand had – to accept seats in the Coca-Cola sponsor’s box watching Bud Greenspan interview the coaches sitting around us.
I was in pain, but the greatest pain came when the knee swelling went down and I could remove the brace and had to return to the cheap seats.  But, the people were just as kind and caring there.
It is amazing that so many people, from so many backgrounds, can get along so well despite not being able to speak a common language.
The United Nations General Assembly, and our own Congress, should consider only being held every four years.