With the major spotlight on global athletes gathered at the Olympic Village in the days leading up to the highly anticipated Olympic Games, they seized the opportunity to speak up and make a powerful call for peace.
On Monday, four days before the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games, hundreds of Olympic athletes gathered at the Olympic Village to call for peace.
What Did The Athletes Do?
Many of the gathered athletes wore scarves with the message “Give peace a chance,” while others held flags with the same words. Those athletes were from NOCs (National Olympic Committee) whose countries are in current conflict or war.
Along with that, the athletes came together to sign this year’s Paris 2024 Olympic Truce Mural. The Truce Mural has been part of the Olympic Village since 2006. That very Mural acts as a symbol of the ability of sports to promote peace.
Athletes from all around the world sign the Mural to continue to promote peace.
On Monday, they once again continued the tradition by unveiling the Truce Wall and then having athletes sign the mural along with the IOC President, Thomas Bach; the Paris 2024 Organising Committee President, Tony Estanguet; Masomah Ali Zada, Chef de Mission for the IOC Refugee Olympic Team for Paris 2024; Emma Terho, Chair of the IOC Athletes’ Commission (AC); and the entire IOC Executive Board.
Which Athletes Took Part?
Among the athletes present, there was Palestinian swimmer Valerie Tarazi who snapped a photo with IOC President Thomas Bach. Kimia Yousofi, part of Afghanistan’s gender-neutral Olympic team, also made an appearance and signed this year’s Truce Wall.
At the games, she is dedicating her Olympic appearance to women and girls in Afghanistan.
The call for peace could not have come at a better time, with many countries facing crises, wars, and more. Using the Olympics, a major global event, to push for peace is a good step in bringing about a better world.