The games and Europe

Owing to its sponsors, structured according to a strict and definite hierarchy, and the TV rights, the Olympic games can be described as a major event in the global communication and consumption system. The overall picture of the ongoing serious structural financial crisis, which they are part and parcel of, highlights its limits. Moreover, in spite of this, the Games cannot be reduced to a "major event". There is a cultural, and ethical fundamental foundation that renders the Olympics a major world encounter, rich with manifold meanings. The games return to London for the third time. It was in London, in 1908, that the archbishop of Baltimore launched the famous formula, erroneously ascribed to Coubertin, for whom what’s important is not to win, but to take part. In reality, the founder of the modern games had used a much more pertinent expression, whereby what’s important isn’t to win, but to have accept healthy competition. Mere participation is not enough. The ethical crux of the games could thus be summarised as follows: a world meeting and the agonistic thrust to better oneself, and to improve. It’s a twofold message addressed first of all to the young, applicable to all ages and institutional bodies. In fact, the Olympic area, which is a free and open space, is also a political space, in the highest sense of the term, it’s the place where not only individuals but also peoples States, structures and international organizations have the opportunity – and the duty – to meet.These two values which convey a message on the meeting and antagonism are expressed in the Olympic motto and symbol. The five circles – protected by a rigorous universal copyright – represent encounter, and much more than this. They represent fraternity, and the motto, in Latin, "citius, altius, fortius", invites to do better, to advance. It is a message of commitment and trust, which we are in dire need of today, in these present times of crisis and uncertainty. These two messages are also directed to Europe, that is seeking new ways for unity, whose unitary building process could take place also in the realm of sports, with its beautiful flag and hymn. The Olympic spirit encourages hope. The Olympic commitment and trust repose on concrete persons, on efforts, on athletic performance, on the athletes’ sacrifices, on the sacrifices of the organizing committee and its workers, along with the festive participation of the viewers, on the show of sports. This is what matters. The feast doesn’t erase the problems, but it helps us to face them with greater vigour. For Europe this is an important message. And this is why all the Popes, starting with Pius X, with whom Coubertin had had conspicuous contacts, have followed with "special sympathy and attention" sport competitions and Olympic Games. Over the past days Pope Benedict XVI underlined its significance in terms of fraternity and hope of peace, wishing the fruitful performance of the London games.