Why the Olympic Games Keep Igniting the Flame in People

“Pierre de Coubertin, the founder, envisioned the OG to promote peace, mutual understanding, and the moral and physical development of individuals and nations.”

Olivier Onghena – ‘t Hooft, Founder / Executive Chairman

The modern Olympic Games (OG) were intended to embody a noble purpose that transcended mere athletic competition. Pierre de Coubertin, the founder, envisioned the OG to promote peace, mutual understanding, and the moral and physical development of individuals and nations.

As with anything that has a noble purpose – a noble purpose is not just a purpose, mostly used for marketing or PR reasons – it generates a profound and subtle appreciation by the many people who connect on deeper levels with that what the noble purpose is meant to bring.

de Coubertin had a very outspoken ambition for the OG which keeps making the OG such an important event for Humankind, global politics and international sports diplomacy

Promote peace & international understanding

de Coubertin believed that bringing athletes from various countries together to compete peacefully would foster a spirit of international camaraderie and mutual respect. The OG were seen as a platform to bridge cultural and national differences.
By encouraging friendly competition and interaction among athletes from around the world, the OG aimed to reduce political tensions and promote global peace and understanding.

Educate physically & morally

de Coubertin emphasized the importance of sports in developing character, discipline, and perseverance. The OG were intended to teach young people the values of fair play, teamwork, and resilience.
The emphasis on physical education was also meant to complement intellectual and moral education.

Revive the classical ideals

Inspired by the ancient OG held in Olympia, Greece, de Coubertin sought to revive the classical ideals of excellence, honor, and the harmonious development of mind and body.
The OG celebrated human potential and the pursuit of excellence, encouraging athletes to strive for their best in a spirit of noble competition.

A cultural exchange and enrichment

The OG were envisioned as a global festival where different cultures could be showcased and appreciated. The cultural exchange that occurs during the OG was seen as a way to enrich global civilization.
de Coubertin also included cultural events in the OG, such as art competitions, to emphasize the connection between athletic and artistic achievements.

“A noble purpose generates a profound and subtle appreciation by the many people who connect on deeper levels with that what it is meant to bring.”

Defining a noble purpose for any activity, any project, any kind of enterprise or undertaking, even for family gatherings or couple projects, leads to exceptional impact, and brings tons of positive energy.

I keep being inspired how one person can make all the difference thanks to a noble purpose. The noble purpose of the OG continues to inspire hundreds of millions of people, over several generations.

The symbolic of the burning flame is to be understood in that perspective.

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