Sports are a part of our progression as human beings. From war to sports is a step in the right direction! It is interesting that the word "empathy" was coined as recently as the 1920's. I am a woman, love to compete in areas where I have some ability, and I love to see the beauty in well-executed movements in sports. The latter is more interesting to me than who wins, even. Eventually, with conversations like the one today, we'll get to the point of honoring with more integrity all of those who compete, instead of focusing so intensely on just the winner.

My daughter's Waldorf school holds an Olympiad in the 5th grade, bringing several schools together to compete, but in a unique way. A student from each school is on each team. Medals are given for not only the greatest acheivement (distance, etc.) but also for grace and beauty, honoring this aspect of "what sports is all about", too. The originator of these events, now called "Hands in Peace" (due to the Olympics trademark), has also brought students together from countries that are at odds with each other, with heart-warming results. When I was in New York several years ago there was a display of this in the lobby of the United Nations building.

Here's a couple of websites, if you want more info:

anoblepurpose.org/2011/03/15/hands-in-peace-2/

This one tells how the Olympics originated. Two kings who were at war consulted the Oracle at Delphi.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGXrrm2QgF0

Thanks, Abe, for the conversation.