Every four years, we get to watch greatness in action. Thousands of the world's best athletes gather to show off their skills and compete for the title of best in the world.
Every four years, much of the world unites around one thing -- fascination at the feats the human body can tackle.
So few people will ever be so elite as to make it to the Olympics one time. Even fewer will earn repeat performances. Still fewer, the elite, will make a third trip to the world games. And we get to bear witness to it all.
The Olympics isn't perfect. It has historically come with its own controversies and this year is no different. Folks are disappointed in the opening ceremony, believing it to be making a mockery of their religion. Others are mad about a call they believe was bad in tennis. Others still are angry that a European country sent a convicted criminal to perform for its team.
But nothing comes without controversy in this world. And perhaps, the world stage is an appropriate place for us to see our our world in all its complicated glory -- the incredible, fascinating and great right alongside the anger-inducing and disappointing.
What better way for us to come together to recognize the humanity in our shared history than to see sport alongside friction?
This Olympics, we challenge you to choose a sport you're not usually invested in or a country with which you're unfamiliar. Choose them and watch to see the athletes' humanity. Find your human connection and write about what you see -- how does it make you feel? What do you find is similar between us and them? Why did you choose the athlete or country you chose?
We get so little concentrated time to watch the world at large. Don't miss this opportunity.
At Memories In Writing, we believe everyone has an important story to share. We'd love to help connect you or a loved one with resources to begin recording your personal story. Learn more on our homepage.
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