(Vatican Radio) Nobody can deny the Olympic Games are a big deal. Whether you are
a sports enthusiast or not, each time the Olympics come round you are inevitably caught
up in the buzz and the excitement they generate for a number of reasons. And each
time they come round, most of humanity watches in awe as the people of the world unite
in friendly and peaceful competition. And peace and friendship were the very reasons
the Games were first held in 776 BC in ancient Olympia: to allow warring Greek city
states to set aside conflict, to celebrate togetherness, to experience peace inspired
by sport, to imagine peace ... This is the Olympic Truce. An ancient tradition.
A peace accord which lasted through more than 1,200 years of ancient history. A truce
which has now been revived to offer hope and an opportunity for dialogue. Encouraging
and inspiring all humanity to ... imagine peace.
And to this day, although
the Olympic Truce is something that not many people have heard of, it is a United
Nations resolution, signed by all 193 countries in the world – but implemented by
none.
That’s why Lord Michael Bates, a Conservative MP at the English Parliament,
decided to undertake a 5,000 kilometre walk – from Olympia in Greece to the Houses
of Parliament in London – to raise awareness and promote the Olympic Truce and all
that it stands for.
Speaking to Lydia O’Kane, Lord Bates said that over 10
months of hard walking, he braved searing heat, freezing weather and a broken arm
– but also had an audience with the Pope as he took his campaign to schools and politicians,
as well as athletes...