The desire to Cheat pervades International Sport
International sports is today in the throes of crisis as individuals are being hauled before the sporting community with great frequency over charges of cheating of one form or other.
The fact that todays international media sources are highly competitive and have access to the most modern technology leaves us capable of hearing and seeing the latest incidents of unsavory sporting conduct as they happen.
The Olympic Spirit
The Olympic Charter, the virtual Constitution of the International Olympic Committee, IOC, and the guiding document of the International Olympic Movement, contains among its guiding Principles the following:
2. Olympism is a philosophy of life, exalting and combining in a balanced whole the qualities of body, will and mind. Blending sport with culture and education, Olympism seeks to create a way of life based on the joy found in effort, the educational value of good example and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles. 3. The goal of Olympism is to place everywhere sport at the service of the harmonious development of man, with a view to encouraging the establishment of a peaceful society concerned with the preservation of human dignity. To this effect, the Olympic Movement engages, alone or in cooperation with other organizations and within the limits of its means, in actions to promote peace.
The concept of Olympism is ideally the main focus of all sport, competitive or otherwise and regardless of whether the sport is an integral part of the international Olympic Movement.
The principles are indeed a major challenge to all participants in sport, requiring full commitment at all times.
Unfortunately, the world of sport has not been true to the aforementioned ideals, having been soured by the anxiety of so many to win at all costs.