Don't forget the message behind the games

Whether you say Turin or Torino, or potato or “po-tah-to” the hosting of the Olympic Games truly symbolizes the meaning of sport in the most definitive sense.

The true meaning of sport is often overlooked in society today, and people frequently forget the reasons why sport is something millions of individuals have grown to love, and have welcomed in as an integral part of their lives.

The Olympic Games and sport is about competition.

Two foes can be battling one another, both flowing with passion, pride, and intensity, both striving to defeat the other, and both doing anything necessary to win for themselves and their country.

Sport is the root word of sportsmanship, and the term can be used to describe nearly every aspect of the Olympic Games.

When the dust clears and the battle has been fought, the athletes will shake hands and recognize each other's efforts. When the prizes are awarded, the athletes will stand side-by-side on the medal podium as the victor's National Anthem is played before the crowd.

An Olympic victory or medal will create an aura of celebrity for the athlete. The victorious athlete will often return home to their country as heroes, and will be graced with accolades, parades, and gifts.

Sport is also utilized as an outlet of inspiration for countless people and brings happiness, joy, and a sense of purpose for many.

The people that see an Olympic athlete's accomplishment will often be motivated to do well themselves in their everyday lives, and will help them achieve different goals in life. Young athletes will also look up to an Olympic athlete and be inspired to succeed in their own chosen discipline.

The Olympic Charter, which was developed by Pierre de Coubertin, says the goal of the Olympic Movement is to contribute to building a better more peaceful world by educating youth through the vehicle of sport.

The Olympic Movement also hopes to practice this without discrimination of any kind in the spirit of friendship, solidarity, and fair play.

So if anyone is searching for the meaning of sport, what the purpose of sports is in this world, and how sport should be perceived, tune into the 2006 Turin (or should I say Torino) Olympic Games this month and realize the true essence of sport.