We are inundated with such difficult and divisive news each day in our country. We hear so much that is negative and discouraging. Particularly in politics, it appears that the taking of sides replaces the overall concern for the deep and pressing needs of our country. We need a unified approach of all of our thought leadership and resources in order to resolve the extensive problems that we are facing globally, nationally and in our community and families.
I have been watching our Olympic trials and quite honestly I find them both refreshing and encouraging. One marked change from the Tokyo Olympics is the absence of COVID-19. We are able to come out of masks and isolation and enjoy the performances of our talented athletes.
We see young athletes who have given most of their lives to train and be disciplined for their sport. They are focused, intentional, working diligently and pursuing the life goal of going to the Paris Olympics. They and their families have sacrificed tremendously in order to come to this point in their lives. Now they stand on the precipice of experiencing a global competition where they will continue their journey to an inspiring goal.
What is impressive is the tremendous support that our athletes receive from their family, friends and sports enthusiasts. Whole stadiums are full of cheering fans, lifting flags of our country and cheering each event and the competing participants. Parents are intensely and emotionally joining their athletic kids in each moment of competition with enthusiasm, empathy and compassion. The athletes congratulate each other after their events, win or lose.
There is an overall spirit of support for their sport, the vigorous competition and for the impending world competition that they are destined to face together.
The background chanting of USA is loudly celebrated all throughout the audiences. The pride is palpable. It seems the anticipation of the coming competition has a sense of universal momentum towards an experience of unity of purpose to win together no matter what their role. There is no division but only singularity of purpose and a joining together of interdependence. What fun and how exciting to be a part of the many Olympic teams!
I so covet this spirit for the rest of our American society. That enthusiasm, singularity of purpose, unity, sense of togetherness and intensity towards a good goal is something the rest of our country could learn from. I always believe that if we join together, focus on the things we can agree on (like caring for our kids) and move as a force of mutual concern, there would be few problems that we cannot solve as a country. We need our own Olympics of purpose that would help us conquer self-defeating adversities with enthusiasm and positive momentum that we can all support. I think there is much to learn from our Olympians and their supporters that could help us all find the victories that we most need!
Gerry Vassar
President/CEO
