Olympic Games Venues No.208 (original)
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Sunday, August 15, 2004 at 5:43 AM |
Quesntions have been raised concerning the moving of the Olympic Games from country to country every four years. Why can't it be held in the original location ar Elis, Greece, on the plains of Olympus as it was in 776 B.C.?
I contacted a representative of the IOC (Olympic Organizing Cartel) Alhonse "Doc" Cheatam. [not really a doctor but sounds better than Alphonse].
"Yes, that question has been raised a number of times and dismissed by the committee as irrelevent, unnecessary and provocative, usually raised by those countries not rich enough to pay for the privilege." He replied.
"Aside from that," I asked, "would it not be in the best interest of athletes if the "playing field" was level? That is, conditions of climate, elevation, termperature were the same each time so that results would not be goverened by the varying conditions? In addition, would the cost be considerably less if the same infrastructure was used each four years?"
"These are considerations being investigated. But one has to consult all parties, especially those countries wanting to build large stadiums, hotels, railroads and airports, but are unable to get approval fromt the public without such a commitment as being an Olympic Venue."
"There are also questions about the rewards made. Now these are medals. What were the original rewards?" I asked.
"Originally the winners were crowned with an olive wreath. Also town criers announced their name throughout the land. Artists dedicated statues to them. Poets wrote odes to them. Now, the winners are rewarded with a medal of gold, silver or bronze, sponsorships, stipends for endorsements and an occasional Porshe or two, and the media spreads word of their exploits throughout the world." "Some critis say that the Olympics have become too commercial, and that professionals as well as "amateurs" participate. Is this a true and realistic observation?' I asked.
"Well, yes and no. First, someone has to pay the bills, and second, in order to get first class participants, it is necessary to stretch the rules concerning amateurism, otherwise we would be getting a lot of second rate athletes competing. Keep in mind that the Olympics are part of the entertainment industry, and spectators must feel they are getting their money's worth."
This is certainly a succinct way of putting it. Let's get behind our entrepreneurs, and show our appricationg for the great show they put on every four years. I'm sure Baron P{ierre de Coubertin would be proud of what he started!"
-- Roy Spence 2001 (417) The Inquiring Observer
