Coubertin Quote for Feb, 05
Olympism is entering Asia! Whether the torch is carried in reality or symbolically, the meaning remains the same as the flame whose spiritual power it evokes.

About 82 years, in 1936, Baron Pierre de Coubertin found himself in the mood for celebration because the Olympic Games were on their way to Asia. Even though he was in declining health at the age of 73, his excitement was clear in the tone of his writing. In an article titled The Next Games Will Be Held in Tokyo, which appeared in La Revue Sportive Illustrée, the Baron waxed eloquently about the prospects of the 1940 Games, which were, of course, cancelled by war. It seems fitting, as we approach the Opening Ceremony of Pyeongchang 2018 this week, to recall the Baron’s early Asian enthusiasm.

“Olympism is entering Asia! Plans are already underway for bringing the sacred flame kindled on the sacred soil of Greece to the Far East, when the time comes ... From now on, whether the torch is carried in reality or symbolically, the meaning remains the same as the flame whose spiritual power it evokes. Olympism will seal the contract between the purest of our European civilizations and one of the most illustrious among the Asian civilizations. This is a profitable, peaceful date, one set in the destiny of humanity never to be forgotten.”