Olympic Inspiration
By Ms Karen Mahar, Deputy Principal Head of Junior School
As we find ourselves in the heart of the Australian winter, many of us are captivated by the world of sports, both locally and internationally, from the grassroots level to the highest echelons of competition. This past weekend, I attended some co-curricular basketball games and later watched the Australian Olympic team take on Spain in basketball. What struck me in both contexts was the vital importance of belonging, collaboration and resilience.
The 2024 Olympic Games in Paris have captured many people’s attention, showcasing athletes who inspire us with their perseverance, hope and humility. These competitors demonstrate not only their physical capabilities but also their remarkable character strengths, which drive them to excel. In addition to individual growth and development, sport can be an amazing tool for societal change, integration and inclusion, as well as for health and well-being.
At Radford, we can draw some parallels between the Olympics and our College purpose and shared values. One goal of the Olympic movement is to contribute to building a peaceful and better world by educating through sport practiced without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit, which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity, and fair play.
The IOC President, Thomas Bach, regularly emphasizes the following:
"Sport is not just physical activity; it promotes health and helps prevent, or even cure, some of the diseases of modern civilization. It also is an educational tool which fosters cognitive development; teaches social behaviour; and helps to integrate communities."
An image shared with me over the weekend highlighted the progress in gender equality at the Olympics, showing that in 1900, 2.2% of athletes were women, while in 2024, 50% of athletes are women. This remarkable achievement reflects the broader commitment to gender equity and inclusion, integrity, and sustainability within the Olympic movement.
The Paralympics will also play a significant role in promoting sport for people with disabilities. Look at gyms, for example. They’re accessible now but still lacking in equipment that people with reduced mobility can use.
Building on the success of Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, the IOC continues to promote a message of hope and solidarity by supporting and enabling refugees to compete. This team represents the more than 100 million displaced people around the world. These athletes are welcomed into the Olympic community, not only competing alongside their fellow athletes but also living together with them under one roof.
The Olympic Games offer valuable lessons that we can all learn from.
On Friday, our Junior School staff and students acknowledged the start of the Olympic Games and demonstrated support for our Aussie competitors by wearing Green and Gold. There was much joy visible. It reminded us that pausing to acknowledge significant events, having a laugh and displaying a smile are good for our wellbeing.
Along with our PE and Sport teams, our Radford Student Counsel (RSC) has planned some fun activities in the coming weeks, including writing postcards of encouragement and support to athletes, and monitoring the medal tally and engaging in Olympic highlights.
Let’s celebrate the spirit of the Olympics and the lessons they bring, applying them to our own journeys and supporting our athletes as they represent our nation on the global stage.
References:
Australian Olympic Team Paris 2024