The Olympic Games Have Started - Sports for Peace Gala will honour the Greatest: Carl Lewis and Michael Phelps

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PARIS - The Olympics had a spectacular opening last night with the likes of Zinedine Zidane, Lady Gaga and an impressive performance of Celine Dion in the Eiffel tower. Carl Lewis was the shining top global sports star, reminiscent of Muhammad Ali's memorable appearance at the London 2012 Games. Sports for Peace brought Ali to London for his global farewell and is honouring on August 3 in Paris Carl Lewis and Michael Phelps as the greatest living athletes. 

As John Lennon’s “Imagine” resonated along the Seine, evoking visions of “peace” and a world where “there is no religion,” the reality of today's geopolitical tensions remains stark. The Olympics are seen as a symbol of international unity and peace, yet the world is currently facing significant conflict. There are 19 ongoing wars and 16 other major conflicts globally, contributing to a total of 409 conflicts, 223 of which are violent.

Amid this backdrop, a significant conflict has arisen between the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the United States over an investigation into Chinese athletes using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). The controversy intensified after 23 Chinese athletes reportedly tested positive for PEDs, leading to diplomatic tension. The IOC has threatened the U.S. with sanctions if the investigation continues.

Travis Tygart, head of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), expressed his dismay: “It’s crushing to see that 23 Chinese swimmers had positive tests for a potent performance-enhancing drug on the eve of the 2021 Olympic Games [in Tokyo]. It’s even more devastating to learn the World Anti-Doping Agency and the Chinese Anti-Doping Agency secretly, until now, swept these positives under the carpet.”

Chinese officials contended that trace amounts of the banned substance trimetazidine (TMZ) were found in a hotel kitchen where the athletes were staying.

While the Olympics are celebrated for fostering global unity, the initiative Sports for Peace exemplifies how these events can address issues such as human rights and justice. 

This year's honorees include Carl Lewis and Michael Phelps for their humanitarian and social work, alongside notable figures like Nadia Comaneci, the IOC Refugee Team, and Simon Keith, an athlete living with a third heart who has inspired thousands through his advocacy for organ donation to save lives. 

Sports for Peace has a history of highlighting human rights issues, such as the light installation in Rio de Janeiro’s favelas during the 2016 Olympics, which drew attention to displacement and inequality. Additionally, in 2010, it staged an advocacy event with Nelson Mandela and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to support the Millennium Development Goal for Universal Primary Education.

The guest list of Sports for Peace on August 3 includes Academy Award honorees Matt Damon, Casey Affleck, Octavia Spencer, and Sharon Stone, among other notable ambassadors.

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