SWIFTER, HIGHER, STRONGER

 "Citius, Altius, Fortius"

translated means

"Swifter, Higher, Stronger".

The Creed

"The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well.

The Athletes' Oath

Holding a corner of the Olympic flag, the chosen athlete (a representative from the Host Country) repeats the oath:

"In the name of all competitors, I promise that we shall take part in these Olympic Games, respecting and abiding by the rules that govern them, in the true spirit of sportsmanship, for the glory of sport and the honor of our teams."

Welcome to Friday evening in Australia where the winter is still in residence and keeping warm has become part of life's routine.

I just a few hours the Opening Ceremony for the 2012 Olympic Games will start in London and Athletes from all over the world have gathered to celebrate the true spirit of sportsmanship.

Friendships will be made that will last a lifetime, there will be tears of joy and tears of frustration.   There will be celebrations of victory after years of training and work and there will be many disappointments that no matter what the best is for us, it is just not good enough to be the very best in the world.  Winners, losers and families, friends and supporters will cheer and shout out.

Four years comes around very quickly and there has been much building and work done in London as there is in any Host City and soon the famous words

"Let the Games Begin" will be spoken.

There will be rivalry, camaraderie, fun and all in all I am hoping for a safe gathering of the World's elite athletes.

For many of us we will have memories of other times and other exciting Olympic Games ~ 1972 sticks in my mind when members of the Israeli team were kidnapped and killed by the Group Black September - and it is my fervent prayer that 2012 in London is safe and without drama.

Remember these little guys - the mascots from Sydney 2000 games in Sydney Australia?

Meet Wenlock and Mandeville - the mascots for London 2012.

People will gather with a common interest, there will be family discussions and debates about the sport, and I hope that those who hold an interest will enjoy these 16 days of competition.

It is great when we are united with a common bond and differences can be put aside, national pride shown and respect for our fellow man.  It would be delightful if these conditions could happen all the time.

We really need to be united with common bonds of love and tender care each for the other and to celebrate our "oneness" without bias, ridicule, discrimination and bullying.   We need to love each other just as we are, irrespective of race, colour, religion, cultural background, creed sexual orientation or marital status and I pray each day acceptance on a global scale.

With my friends and with people generally I see and love the person irrespective of any of the issues - and I offer love and care.

If you follow the Games - then enjoy - if you don't follow them, find other nice things to talk about, to celebrate and enjoy your days.

Read the motto, the creed and the oath and like me, hope and pray that all is well and that London 2012 will be a celebrations of friendship.

Love and hugs from a thoughtful and hopeful heart.

Let the Games Begin.

Love and hugs,

Linda.