Can Sport Help Promote Peace?

I'm with both Kael and InnerFish, even though they each make different points. On the practical side, USMS would do well to use swimming events as ways to raise money for various causes. That would also bring out the so-called "non-competitive" swimmers who might find a bigger purpose in the endeavor than simply making better times. I run in road races not to compete but to help raise money for a worthy cause. And to give myself shin splints. There, I said it. Sport has a limited ability to bring people together. At first, it seems like a great idea, but as politics gets involved, the stakes get ratcheted up until the whole idea of unity is as insignificant a thought as what color the jerseys are. Playing games to unite folks is a great idea, but we have to realize at some point, it's only a game. In my humble opinion, natch. Adam

Originally posted by 330man This thread is destined for closing due to it's political nature but I will say that Kofi Annan get's no respect from me. And I bet he can't keep up with any of us in a 400 IM either!

1. I thinkn that the UN has become so big it can't be managed. It is an organization that does some good & some bad. I think it is like any big institution. 2. The malaria swim and Swim Across America are really both outside of USMS's abilities. both are expected to bring in more money than orginally thought possible. 3. USMS seems to have enough on its plate trying to get people swimming. It seems to me that it needs a major membership reorganization and thrust. How can a membership organization continue when it doesn't have a membership drive? 4. Sports are politcal. Just look at what sports each country tries to influence through its sports federations and other organizations.

If left to the athletes then peace may be promoted. When governments and politicians get involved then sport is just another pawn in the political game. Did the olympic boycotts in 80 and 84 help with peace?

This thread is destined for closing due to it's political nature but I will say that Kofi Annan get's no respect from me.

wow! the major part of the responses here are surprisingly (for me) negative! so negative my pc got hit by a virus and is down - I'm just checking in from an internet cafe... no one thinks sports can help promote peace, not even a little? question: if a thread can be closed for its political nature, why is the one about foreign athletes training at USA universities still open? Peace! Mary

Originally posted by Maryyyyyy wow! the major part of the responses here are surprisingly (for me) negative! so negative my pc got hit by a virus and is down - I'm just checking in from an internet cafe... no one thinks sports can help promote peace, not even a little? question: if a thread can be closed for its political nature, why is the one about foreign athletes training at USA universities still open? Peace! Mary Mary, that's a great question. Maybe you haven't been in the US recently enough but we are having a huge debate about foreigners, illegal aliens and possible terrists. the country has been so changed. there is so much anti-foreigners mentally that it has run over into the pool. My personal oppinionis that it is at the least embarrasing.

"no one thinks sports can help promote peace, not even a little?" Gosh, in my post I didn't say that. I did say, I do not think the UN can promote peace or anything else right now because they are snowed under dealing with the biggest scandal in U.N. history, the ill-fated Oil-for-Food program, now the subject of at least four congressional investigations, three U.S. federal investigations, as well as a U.N.-appointed commission of inquiry, the Volcker Commission. Also, when you say “promote peace”.....Please define PEACE..... Anytime diverse groups of people come together toward one goal, such as athletic achievement, ideas and culture will be commonly shared and exchanged among the athletes. Each will have the opportunity to see first hand that for the most part, we are much the same. We love our families, want the best for our children and share many of the same aspirations in life that men and woman have shared for centuries. Will this common bond help promote peace? Well, it sure as heck can’t hurt! As for the UN being involved, pass on that idea. I do not trust the UN! I believe they are partisan in their politics, corrupt in every respect and the mouth piece for any nation that will stuff their pockets under the table. In short, why get Drackula to guard the blood bank?

In response to the original question "Can Sport Help Promote Peace?" I urge everyone to read Swimming To Antarctica, Tales of a Long-Distance Swimmer by Lynne Cox. Lynne an incredible swimmer with an even more incredible story followed her dream and 11 year quest to swim from the US to the Soviet Union. In 1987, still during the cold war, she was granted approval from the Soviets to swim ashore after crossing the Bering Straits from Alaska. The swim, 2 hours 6 minutes in 42 degree water in itself an unbelievable feat, and her motivation, bridging a gap and opening the door for peace an even more improbably quest. I quote from the book, just after she exited the 42 degree water, even before making it to the warming tent ... ..."One reporter from Russian television asked, Do you think your swim will contribute to a reduction in nuclear missiles in the US and the Soviet Union and further the INF treaty? Do the American people really view the Soviet union as the evil Empire? Why did you make the swim?... ... ...My speech was slurred, and my numb lips weren't helping me speak. I tried to quickly sort out my thoughts and feelings. How could I possibly speak for the American People? 'The reason I swam across the Bering Strait was to reach into the future, to cross the international date line, and to symbolically bridge the distance between the US and the Soviet Union. It was to generage goodwill and peace between our two countries, our two peoples. ...'" You need to get and read the book in order to learn the rest. I encourage everone who absolutely loves swimming and who want to know the impact that one incredible athlete has had on world relations to read this story. I cried more than once being so touched by her courage, her quests and her successes. (Heather, I know swimmers don't cry, but this is different.) Lynne Cox is and will remain a favorite hero of mine. Hope to hear your thoughts.

I'm very sorry for the negative twist this thread has taken. That certainly wasn't my intention when I opened it. I am not in a position to defend the UN nor Kafi Annan and have no intention of doing so, just as I have no intention of condemning them In the name of peace (please see the definition below, especially n. 5) I would like to ask that the administrator close this thread before it goes any further. peace NOUN: 1.The absence of war or other hostilities. 2. An agreement or a treaty to end hostilities. 3. Freedom from quarrels and disagreement; harmonious relations: roommates living in peace with each other. 4. Public security and order: was arrested for disturbing the peace. 5. Inner contentment; serenity: peace of mind.