Sunday, August 17, 2008

The Olympic Oath

I was surprised to find out that there is an Olympic Oath. It seemed very much like the People's Court. It is taken by one judge & one athlete during the opening ceremonies. I thought that it would be about sportsmanship & bringing honor to one's country. Apparently, the athlete says:

In the name of all the competitors I promise that we shall take part in these Olympic Games, respecting and abiding by the rules which govern them, committing ourselves to a sport without doping and without drugs, in the true spirit of sportsmanship, for the glory of sport and the honour of our teams
The judge says:
In the name of all the judges and officials, I promise that we shall officiate in these Olympic Games with complete impartiality, respecting and abiding by the rules which govern them in the true spirit of sportsmanship
I especially like that drugs & doping are both mentioned in the oath. It's not as impressive as I thought it would be, but I hope the athletes take it seriously.

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