War-torn world pauses in gratitude for Olympic Games

The 2024 Olympic Games which open in Paris at 4.30am (AEST) on Saturday remain after 128 years one of the great global institutions, and the world’s greatest combined sporting event. Along with the two soccer World Cups, the Olympics are one of few things that can bring a planet together at the level of individuals regardless of what their governments might be doing.

In 2024 with geopolitical tension everywhere, the Olympics are once again showing their power to set political contests aside and get on with important matters like playing games. The mere existence of such a thing should be a pause for thought and gratitude.