From August 5th to August 21st 2016 the World’s eyes were looking at Brazil as the first Latin American country to host the XXXI edition of the Olympic Games in the city of Rio de Janeiro, worldwide known for the Sugarloaf Mountain ( Pão de Açúcar), the Art Deco Statue of Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor),the beaches of Copacabana & Ipanema where the famous song Girl from Ipanema (Garota de Ipanema) was composed by Bossa Nova artists Antonio Carlos Jobim and Vinicius de Moraes; The Birthplace of Samba, where the joyful spirit of the Brazilians, good vibrations, collective emotions, and a friendly and very welcoming attitude opened their doors to a mega sport event that can potentially drive future economic investments thanks to the increase of Sport Tourism, thus allowing an expansion of the job market and more employment opportunities for Youth, the leaders of tomorrow’s socio-economic and political progress.
Despite the initial media warnings, where threats of financial instability, worries related to mosquito-borne Zika virus, the unfinished infrastructure hosting the games, regional debts and the impeachment of Dilma Rousseff, all mixed with questions about security issues, I decided to go there and see it myself. A good Nigerian friend where I am living now, in Dakar-Senegal, taught me that “To really get to know reality and what is happening around you, and to be firm and down to earth, you need to see. Feel it by going right where your mind and your heart tell you to”. To discover reality, transparent, clear and to frankly understand the world, you need to touch, feel, talk and get all of you immersed in the social life of people. Observation, Analysis and Actions. “You may be wrong, but at least you tried and you do not have regrets”. One of the best and wisest advices I had since now in my lifetime.
So I went there. I was a volunteer in the Languages & Interpretation Services, where we gave support in translation and interpretation for journalists and athletes. I mostly worked in French and Spanish to Portuguese, in the Medical Center of the Athletes and in the Editorial and Social Media Department of Rio 2016. I dealt with Italian and Spanish Tweets and Newspapers, following Medals and Athletes performances, watching basket, tennis, volley, water polo and football matches late at night, just to root and to feel the experience of listening and observing the world, united in joy and in fair play.
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I felt I was witnessing History, contributing with my presence to help others and facilitate work in action, and being helped and guided by wonderful Brazilian friends, old & new ones.
I have always believed in Sports as a strong social connector, something that everyone can talk about, feeling at ease, discussing, commenting and rooting for the favorite team. I also highly appreciate sports people who put their continuous efforts and energy in overcoming human limits, never giving up and having a strong and powerful motivation, driven by respect for the game opponents, and acting in friendship for the excellence of a discipline.
With the Olympic Torch, the Olympic Truce was decreed, to stop wars and conflicts, and to create a window of opportunities of dialogue and reconciliation. The chain goes like this: Sports’ talks become Countries’ talks, which become Cultural’s talks and transform into Diplomatic’s talks. The latter naturally flow into Political and Economic’s talks, which drive long lasting and strong Partnerships for Development, Progress, Negotiations and Protection of Public Interests, for the Common Global Good. and to promote the Olympic Spirit of Determination, Perseverance, Hope, Respect, Inspiration and Equality.
I enjoyed every single moment of the Olympic Games, and it was a success. In terms of Transportation (new excellent BRT system- Bus Rapid Transit), Infrastructures ( which will become sports centers, school and some of the infrastructure will be moved and used for the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Japan), and Kind & Gentle Welcoming of Brazilian People, good at Heart and always ready to give you a hand and direct you to the right places.
I truly believe in the Discipline and Determination of the country, and I hope the Olympic Torch won’t turn off after the Olympic and the Paralympics Games (from September 7th to 18th). I hope the legacy of these Olympic Games will last and will grow its seeds, blossoming in wonderful post Olympic events, cultural gatherings and more job opportunities for the people, ready to make a contribution and a good socio-environmental impact for this diverse and rich country.
Playlist of Rio 2016 Olympic Games
Rise– Katy Perry
Patience– Take That
Heal the World– Michael Jackson
Aonde anda você– Vinicius de Moraes
Follow– Charming Horses ft. Jona Bird (Radio Edit)
Adventure of a Lifetime– Coldplay
If you believe– Sasha
Experience– Ludovico Einaudi
High– Lighthouse Family
With Spirit, Actions, Smiles & Courage, vamos para frente!
A deep and heartfelt Thank You to all my family and friends who have guided, followed and supported me in this Lifetime Adventure!
Ciao from Gaia, the Sambista Carioca
The Lighthouse 