The Traditions of Olympism In Our Hearts

The music of Russian composer and pianist OLGA STANKEVICH was performed at the Paralympic games in Rio. REBECCA HART, a 6-time national U.S. champion in the equestrian sport used the “Inspiration" in her program.

Wholesome traditions are moving our world. The Ancient Greeks believed the games had their roots in religion and spirituality. That's why the revival of the Olympic movement in the nineteenth century was intended to bring peace, harmony and a return to traditional values in every person's life. In Ancient Greece during a period of Games, armies were forbidden from entering Olympia, wars were suspended, legal disputes and the use of the death penalty were forbidden. The truce was designed to allow athletes and visitors to travel safely and participate to the games.

"The Olympic movement is perhaps the most ancient and important tradition, which brings together and unites people and countries. I was honored to contribute in a truly Olympic movement, providing an opportunity for Rebecca Hart to use my music in her performances. Of course, all our family members, friends, athletes I know, and among them-- ones who were not allowed to participate in the Paralympic games, were rooting for Becca.  Music and sports know no boundaries, because beautiful melodies and sporting achievements leave a response in the soul of any person regardless of his or her affiliation or place of residence. Therefore, musicians and athletes believe that our mission is to give love and warm feelings to unite the people of the world, not to participate in their dissociation. It is especially hard for us to realize that sometimes we are becoming hostages of politics.” says Olga Stankevich.

“With regard to the participants of the Paralympics, these unique people overcome their physical limitations by hard work and prove by their own example to all of us, that people are worthy of achieving anything if they do not give up! They continually surprise us with their energy and sense of purpose, igniting us with a light of desire to help them to achieve their main goal in life-- that is to participate in the Paralympics. The prohibition of participation of the whole of the Russian team in the Games in Rio for apparent political reasons is a stain in karma of organizers of the Games."

Let us remember the Olympic Charter, which begins with the fundamental principles:

Olympism is a philosophy of life, exalting and combining in a balanced whole dignity of the body, will and mind. Olympism, connecting sport with culture and education, seeks to create a way of life based on the joy of effort, the educational value of good example and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles. The goal of the Olympic movement everywhere, is to contribute to building a peaceful and better world by educating youth through sport practiced without discrimination of any kind, in a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play.

The Olympic spirit is to continue following the path of the Olympic movement in spite of any obstacles. We were rooting for the Russians who were allowed to participate, as well as many foreign athletes at the Olympics in Rio. We rejoiced in the accomplishments and sympathized with the failures of all participants of the Paralympic games. It was nice to see that Russian Paralympic athletes remained cheerful. We need to support our athletes-- whose mental flame was attempted to be extinguished (unsuccessfully) by unscrupulous politicians.

Rebecca Hart and the other athletes, we wish you new victories, happiness and to keep the Olympic spirit for all people on our planet!

#OlgaStankevich #RebeccaHart #Rio2016 #Paralimpics