The Torino 2006 Olympic Winter Games have officially started. They were sanctioned by the President of the Republic Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, with his words addressed to athletes, technicians and spectators: “I declare the celebration of the Torino 2006 XX Olympic Winter Games officially open”.
Did not get to see much of the opening ceremonies as they were on in the early morning here in Japan. Plus today was unusual as I had to work today to get ready for a visit by folks from the headquarters next week. I even went to bed early last night. Asleep at 9:30 on a Friday night, what is the world coming too?
I’m looking forward to watching some of the Olympics on TV. The S.O. loves the figure skating, I just like watching the female skaters. I’m a big fan of all the skiing events and any thing really competitive like hockey.
Its too bad that the Islamic countries are not big participants in the Winter Olympics. There would be something of a moral victory if Denmark or some other such team( like the US!) could reproduce this great moment in history say, by beating Saudi Arabia in hockey:
That would be a great moment, westerners glued to their TV’s saying, “Take that you Mohammed loving camel jockeys! “. I still remember being at friend’s house watching the US beat the Russians and what a great moment that was.
That is what Jimmy Carter never understood and those folks who are advocating keeping Iran out of the World Cup today still do not get. These competitions are not about the purity of sport. They are about nationalism. If the US had gone to Moscow and kicked the s**t out of the Russians on their own soil, it would have had heck of a lot more meaning. Same if Iran goes to the world cup and gets the thrashing in the first round they so richly deserve.
People talk about watching for the beauty of sport and the competition and the thrill of seeing the best compete. WRONG!
I watch the Olympics for one reason: I want to see this flag on the highest flag pole:
And I want to hear this song played over and over at awards ceremonies.
That’s what the Olympics are all about!
