Olympic Games - Sporting spectacle unites world

AS the 28th Olympic Games get underway in Athens today, it is timely to reflect on the unifying potential of sport in a world ravaged by wars, beset by racialism and bigotry and riven by economic crises.

For the next 17 days, more than 10,500 athletes from 199 countries will participate in 28 different sports in the cradle of the Olympic ideal.

Tonight’s ceremony will be seen by 72,000 spectators in the stadium and will have an estimated global audience of four billion people.

However, the spectacular event will be more than just a test of athletes. Overshadowed by the escalating threat of worldwide terrorism, security will also be a major concern, both in the Olympic village and on the streets of Athens. Sadly, the malign influence of drugs in sport has already been felt with sickening force here in Ireland. When athlete Cathal Lombard admitted taking EPO, a performance-enhancing substance, a dark cloud was cast over the hopes and dreams of the entire nation.

Incidentally, those who question the low-key involvement of our athletes in tonight’s ceremonial parade, should reflect on the energy-sapping reality of the burning heat of Athens. Traditionally, only a handful of Ireland’s athletes normally take part in the razzmatazz of the opening ceremony.

We join the nation in wishing Ireland’s team every success in the 2004 Olympics. Let us hope, despite the security threat, the Games will not be marred by drugs or violence. Hopefully, they will serve as a reminder, however fleetingly, of the ideals enshrined in the ancient Olympic spirit.