For this week's homework, Scalzi asks:
Weekend Assignment #68: Take a moment to appreciate something French. Tell us about that French thing you most appreciate. It could be anything, from a particular French wine to your favorite French filmmaker to the fact they like Jerry Lewis more than we.
I'm not sure if it's the French thing I most appreciate, but one French thing I'm awfully fond of are the Olympic Games.
Yes, yes, I know. Greek in origin.
But they would have pretty much remained a historic relic were it not for good old Baron de Coubertin (a French guy) who had the brilliant idea of creating the modern Olympic Games as an International competition. From our pals at wikipedia:
"Coubertin also thought of a way to bring nations closer together, to have the youth of the world compete in sports, rather than fight in war."
A noble goal, surely. And, although the history of the modern Olympic Games has certainly been sullied with war, terrorism and political boycotts, we still keep trying, every two years, to recapture the spirit of friendly, peaceful competition.
Nice job, Baron.
1 comment:
Considering all the Olympic Games I have viewed on the tele I should have known this but can't recall this. Love learning new trivia and as you said without the Baron the Olympics might still just be a part of Greek history.
Please pop on over to my place and take a walk at the Fair, enjoy the food and fare.
Michael
http://journals.aol.com/madmanadhd/ConfessionsofaMadmanInsightsinto/entries/1269
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