The Spirit of the Olympics: An Open Letter to the International Olympic Committee
by David Krieger, October 12, 2000

Dear Mr. Samaranch and members of the International Olympic Committee :

I love the spirit of the Olympics. It’s wonderful to be able to witness the talent and grace of the athletes, and also to learn their stories. They are often stories of struggle and human triumph over adversity. They are always stories of discipline, perseverance and remarkable achievement. It is also great to watch the concentration on the faces of the athletes and to see their smiles and their comraderie after they have completed their events.

The Olympics is a special celebration – one that belongs to all humanity. With this in mind, there are some things that could be done to improve the Olympic Games. Above all flags of the nations should be flown the Earth flag (as viewed from outer space) and the Olympic flag. We need these symbols of our common humanity and shared heritage. We need to be reminded that we are all one people regardless of where we reside on Earth. We also need an Earth anthem for the Olympic Games and other global occasions.

I also think that it is not in the spirit of the Olympics to allow television advertisements for military recruiting. It was offensive to the Olympic spirit to have recruiting advertisements on NBC by the US Air Force showing one of its more advanced aircraft, a plane designed to drop bombs on people. Such advertising undermines the peaceful and cooperative spirit of the Olympic Games. It should be prohibited by the International Olympic Committee in future contracts with the television networks. I would also suggest prohibiting advertising from corporations known to abuse human rights.

The majesty of the human spirit at the Olympics reminds us that everyone has the right to live with dignity. Every individual on the planet deserves a world at peace, free of the threat of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction. The greatness of the Olympics should lift the human spirit, and not be tarnished by appeals to nationalism or by military recruiting. The Olympic Games, with their embrace of planethood, should promote peace, human rights, and the dignity of all human beings.

With very best regards.
Sincerely,

David Krieger
President