Why does it seem that a sports competition is the only thing that links people more than it divides them? After the Summer University Brescia Olympic we may know the secret.
In time of London Olympic Games thirty people from countries all over Europe chose to participate in a Summer University that was one of a kind.
Organisers, inspired by the five Olympic rings, created five teams that used all effort to demonstrate their skills in different Olympic disciplines. As true athletes we also had the opportunity to have our 15 minutes of fame in press conference, pose our best in a photo shoot and of course we also used every opportunity to wear our flags proudly on our shoulders on the streets while visiting new places.
Even as opponents we were having the time of our lives. Is there any better way to meet people than cooperation or competing in different sport challenges?
In our teams we were always supporting each other, and outside we found the motivation. In colors of our countries we were sharing our success; people from different teams were cheering for one another. Watching our representatives in London’s Olympic Games we were trying to learn from the best and discovered that it is easy to be happy on others’ behalf when they take home the victory. We managed to feel the spirit of the true Olympic Games and learned that sport is not only about fair play but also about trusting and respecting the others.
What is that magical ingredient that makes us all friends in sports? Apart from our differences, variety of languages and customs, we share our effort to do our best in a sports fight, and we always win, because now we have friendships for life and stories to tell.
Written by Kamila Mika, AEGEE Toruń
Photos provided by Špela Klemen, AEGEE Ljubljana