Cheer on Hope!

Official Beijing Olympic 2008 Insignia

My Olympic rant…fyi.

Not that this rant is in any way “Olympic” or grand in any manner. It is just a minor way for me…Chibbi…to have my voice heard to those 3 of you that are reading. Thanks LeBunny!!

I know that the upcoming Beijing Olympics are unpopular due to their (Chinese) inhumane ways of treating their people. (I am not going into the politics of it all and maybe I should. Let’s just focus on the human factor.)

Boycotting the Beijing Olympic may be the cool thing to do for many. They find that to be the easy way of voicing their disapproval of the Chinese government. Former Prime Minister of the UK Tony Blair speaks about this point exactly.

Well, isn’t boycotting this year’s Olympics another way of boycotting athletes, boycotting healthy competition, boycotting dreams, boycotting hard work, boycotting…dare I say…hope?

I am not trying to sound preachy…and I may come off like that…just a bit. I can’t help i!!

These athletes shed tears, sweat, blood and money to get to the pinnacle of their sport. The least we could do is support and cheer for them even in these Olympics.  By cheering them, we are not condoning the actions of the host country, but supporting hope, sportsmanship and those that worked long hours to get there.

There’s just something…something…about watching all these amazing athletes gathered in one location and proudly representing their countries, war-torn nations, their battered peoples…they are still there giving it their all and their heads held up high. Some nations may only have 1 courageous athlete  representing them in these Olympics, but it’s a voyage that they are proud to make. Go Comoros!! J

I am not afraid to shed some tears as the USA delegation makes their way out during the opening ceremonies. Not all of them are big-time stars as Kobe Bryant or Michael Phelps. Many cannot be found on the cover of Wheaties nor have big endorsements. Some are my hometown heroes: Steven Lopez, Mark Lopez, and Diana Lopez.  

Some are just for darn inspiration and pure awe: Dara Torres at age 41 and in her 5th Olympics!! 

Heck I won’t only be cheering the USA, but Mexico too! And I have tearfully rooted for underdogs too. Come on Micronesia!!!! And the Spanish Rafa Nadal just cause he’s hot and oh…and since he has the French Open and Wimbledon under his belt this year!

Heck…I would even cheer your country if they were outstanding—mainly those hard-to-beat Chinese table tennis players!! (Yes, I am a geek and I love the sport of table tennis.) I had a table tennis class back in Uni and if I may say so myself…I kicked some arse! J 

So get up…turn up the tube or tune in on the web and cheer your country, your flag, your national anthem, and–YES–your athletes! Hey, it’s ok to shed a tear or two when your national anthem is being played. Proudly wear your country’s colors!

I am counting down the hours for 08-08-08!!!! Yes, I am that cheesy.

Gotta run…you’ll know where I will be in the next weeks….

With much love, heart, hope and Olympic spirit,

Chibbi

P.S. Add any athletes that you feel are worth a cheer or two!