Archive for April, 2009
Another Olympic Games
Once again as is the habit every four years the winter Olympic games are back in the form of competitions which will take place on both ice and snow. It being this factor which is necessary for a sport to be considered as a winter sport as for clear reasons these elements are most rare in summer. All of which requiring these events to be held in the months of winter yet I sometimes wonder what does a sport need to have so it might be considered as a summer sport as opposed to a winter sport where all that is required are the elements of either ice or snow.
For instance track and field is considered a summer sport given that it is held in an open field or stadium during the months of summer, along with many other sports ranging from football to tennis yet I sometimes wonder to myself if it really matters with certain events if they be held in a winter or summer Olympic as they are held mostly if not permanently indoors. It being then that meteorological conditions are of no consequence as is the case with events such as basketball, swimming, weight lighting, boxing, gymnastics, etc which for the most part are held in closed weather controlled stadiums or arenas with the only exception being the 2004 Athens games where the swimming events took place outdoors. This being the case however more due to accident then design as the organizers of the Athens games failed to complete the roof over the swimming arena on time.
Of course if one thinks the matter carefully just about any sport can be played indoors, well perhaps there are some expectations such as those sports that require a mountain (skiing) or river (canoeing) or long distances (a marathon) or a sea (yachting) yet I feel that many sports which are held as a part of the summer games do not by necessity have to be part of the summer Olympics. In all this I am naturally aware that there are sports that can be held indoors yet for the most part carry more prestige and importance if they be held outdoors such as sprints which though from time to time are held indoors are not taken seriously with regards to records being set. This factor also applying to any discipline that requires having to throw an object such as a javelin or discus as the wind may be a factor in this yet baring these sports it has been my idea for sometime that a third set of Olympic games could be set up called the “Indoor Olympics”.
The indoor Olympics being for those sports and there are just as many if one considers the matter that are played in closed areas as are in open areas; almost to the point where they are never played outdoors and where it makes no difference on any account weather they are or not. For instance gymnastics, weightlifting, boxing, swimming, table tennis, badminton, Judo (and other combat sports), basketball and even hockey (though this perhaps should be left as a winter sport since it involves ice) are such disciplines that could be held in what could be a new sort of Olympic games where all the events are held indoors.
Regarding how often these games would take place? This I would suggest they be held during the same year of the winter Olympics though not the same part of the year as used to be the case with the summer and winter games which till 1992 were held in the same year. In all this I might add that many might ask themselves what would be the benefit or point in having a third set of Olympic games and it is to them that I would answer in the following fashion regarding what is to be gained from it.
1- More countries and cities would get to host the games. This allowing many countries that up till now have not had a chance to show themselves to the world in this form that would encourage many to visit the sights and culture they offer. Needless to say such games would be specially beneficial to those countries not affluent enough to organize an event the size of a regular Olympic competition yet would not be needing much in the way of money to create an adequate indoor arena to host events which could easily be held in the average hockey or basketball arena.
2- The cost of organizing the summer Olympics would naturally decrease drastically since not so many sports would need to be held. It being the case where perhaps as many as 50% of the games would be eliminated from the list of those usually held. Of course with this as a fact one could also consider that less facilities would be required for athletes since there would be less of them to compete. Naturally this factor being of large consequence to those who inhabit the cities where the summer games are held; as it is their taxes which are increased in order to pay for the games. This still holding true though sponsorship has relieved some of this burden.
3- Another benefit would be to certain sports which usually do not get much attention given the huge amount of sports that take place in the summer Olympics yet it is my believe that with less events some are bound to get larger audiences. This being a factor which would be most appreciated specially by those who practice less popular sports that would benefit enormously from being able to obtain not only more fans but sponsors.
4- Another thing I can easily see happening if an Indoor Olympic were to be added is that some outdoor sports might be added to the summer Olympics given there would be more time for them. It perhaps being rugby or cricket (not that I care for either of them) that might be added to the summer Olympic agenda.
5- As for viewers world wide they would be given an added event which they might use as an additional source of entertainment as well as a chance to see certain sports they would perhaps not otherwise have had a chance to. This being the case since during the summer Olympics I have noticed that certain events are almost completely ignored which perhaps might have a larger following if given more coverage.
Naturally in this I would say that the sports I have in mind that would be held in these “Indoor Olympics” are those which are already for the most part being held exclusively indoors such as swimming and basketball along with many others. I am aware that many such sports at one point were held outdoors yet times have changed and along with it I believe so should the way these sports are presented in the Olympics; as in all reality would it be fair to call a sport one of summer if it is almost never played outdoors?
In conclusion I would like to say that I truly believe given the already stated reasons that another set of Olympic games is more than necessary but even desirable, specially given all the sports which in all reality have nothing what so ever to do with either summer’s heat or winter’s ice and snow. All of which perhaps leading some to ask why such a step is not taken though I am aware that the more traditionalists would more than likely never agree to such a move yet if the matter is thought of carefully; why would it be so strange or inconceivable to have an extra set of Olympic games? Specially since at one time all they included was in fact track and field with winter sports being added much later.
By: Gianni Truvianni
About the Author:
My name is Gianni Truvianni, I am an author who writes with the simple aim of sharing his ideas, thoughts and so much more of what I am with those who are interested in perhaps reading something new. I also am the author of the book entitled “New York’s Opera Society” which is now available on Amazon.
Inexpensive Ways To Improve Your Health
Deciding you are going to completely alter your life and improve your health may mean expensive changes are in your future. You may decide to take exercise classes, enroll in healthy cooking school, or visit expensive spas that will teach you elaborate stress-reduction techniques. While all of this is a step in the right direction, not everyone has the money to approach health in this manner. The good news is if you cannot spend a lot of money, there is no reason to lose hope. There are plenty of things you can do to improve your health without spending a fortune. Begin by finding a way to incorporate exercise into your life in a way that is practical and works for you. You can create a home gym that allows you to exercise right in the comfort of your own home. Buying life fitness elliptical machines and other life fitness equipment will give you an easy way to work out. Dumbbells are another affordable option to use as part of your exercise routine.
Another inexpensive way to build better health is to swap out a few expensive meat dishes on your dinner menu for fruit and vegetable substitutes. Lean proteins are good for you, but you need just a small amount each day to have a balance in your diet. On the other hand, you can never eat too many vegetables. Find ways to prepare old favorites with vegetables instead of meat. You can also substitute vegetables for high carbohydrate foods like pasta. For dessert, choose sweet fruits instead of high-calorie sugar treats.
If planning formal workouts into your everyday schedule seems like a challenge, look for ways to add activity without having to schedule extra time. If you can, walk or bike to work instead of driving or taking the bus. If this is impossible, look for ways to walk more while at work. Take the stairs instead of the elevator or park further away from the building. While it may not seem like much, every added step makes a difference.
Another way to work exercise into your life in ways that are barely noticeable is to find a hobby that requires physical activity. Going for a hike on a bright autumn day will feel like a break from the norm. You will be so busy relaxing; you will not even realize you are getting exercise. You can also work in exercise by taking up fun past times such as rollerblading, rock climbing, surfing, swimming, or tennis. If you want to combine social fun with exercise, consider joining a local team.
The important thing to remember when it comes to health is that no matter the cost of prevention, it is always cheaper than illness. If you invest some time and money into your health now, it will save you a lot in the future. Make gradual changes that will stick and you will eventually be leading a healthy, happy life that will lead to many years of illness-free fun. The sooner you start, the longer your life will be.
By: Stewart Wrighter
About the Author:
Stewart Wrighter recently purchased a Life Fitness elliptical machine for his home gym. His wife added Life Fitness equipment for use in their fitness room.
