The value of games

by Massimiliano Fanni Canelles

In the 8 August 2008, at 8 pm., at the stage “Baby Bird” in Beijing, will be started all impressive ceremony scheduled for l ‘ opening of the Games of the XXIX Olympiad. A number, the 8, which was supposed to bring luck because regarded by the Chinese bearer of well-being and prosperity. A date chosen from a country where no respect for man but superstitions and cabal for thousands of years directing the choices of citizens and governments. A government, that of Beijing, which in recent years has not changed its attitude insensitive to the call for more international safeguards and attention to the rights and human dignity. A territory where the games representing the union of peoples, fairness and human dignity are hard to be included. In this context Oscar Pistorius, South African disabled athlete, amputee to both legs, was an example closer and more representative of the spirit of the games. His time in 100, 200 and 400 meters, and its triumphs at the Athens 2004 Paralympics obtained through the use of two prosthetic carbon astonished the International Federation of Athletics, but had stopped participating in the Olympics on the basis of a study entrusted to an independent medical commission which concluded that its implants would offer mechanical advantages. Pistorius benefit from the use of the implants. The “victory” of Pistorius shows that they can compete like any other athlete-bodied was the real “turning point” for these Olympics that not yet begun.

A disabled man, the more unfortunate than skilful, with the dedication and strength of his character manages to reach the highest levels of a sport where until now no one without legs would have been able to participate. Maybe, because the short time available, Pistorius probably not going to make a targeted preparation. Today there is still far from the limit necessary to take the track in Beijing, for sure, however, its history and its energy in the future to allow him and other athletes with disabilities are not discriminated against in the Olympics series B. This’ adventure ‘ has been an extraordinary experience of representation of human value, that should set an example for a country where even the mere birth of a different sex than expected, with a membership of thought and religion can be a problem for the recognition of Fundamental Rights of ‘man. The moment like that of the Olympics has to have the means to ensure that China can make some progress on human rights and civil. Perhaps it would be better to wait another few years before choosing China as a state organizer of the games. This expectation was given the opportunity to the country and the government to achieve the levels of democracy and respect to host the Games Olympics. In the past the Games glorify samples exalting heroism, strength, beauty and physical perfection. The authors of the past at the Olympics gave the power to stop wars and ensure immunity to those who take part, even as spectators, we hope that even in this modern world can be possible.

Translated by Martina Delser

Massimiliano Fanni Canelles

Viceprimario al reparto di Accettazione ed Emergenza dell'Ospedale ¨Franz Tappeiner¨di Merano nella Südtiroler Sanitätsbetrieb – Azienda sanitaria dell'Alto Adige – da giugno 2019. Attualmente in prima linea nella gestione clinica e nell'organizzazione per l'emergenza Coronavirus. In particolare responsabile del reparto di infettivi e semi – intensiva del Pronto Soccorso dell'ospedale di Merano. 

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