The Olympics and the World Forum

08/31/2004

The Olympics and the World Forum

"It is easier to add to a great reputation than to get it." - Publilius Syrus in Moral Sayings

The Olympics and the World Forum

Magela Guimaraes, World Forum International Organizing Committee member from Uruguay, shared these thoughts....

I saw the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Athens.

So much wonder. So many memories coming all together.

I've been in that Olympic stadium. We took a picture with Roberto Barocio (Mexico) with "racing faces and body attitude." That was before going to a restaurant where we sang songs and danced, too. Victoria Peralta (Chile) did the direction of this spontaneous chorus.

When the delegations' parade began, instead of seeing the athletes, I saw after each flag, the face of someone I met during the World Forum. For me, talking about Namibia is talking about Barnabas and Laura Otaala, Uganda is Jolly Nyeko, Nepal is AgathaThapa, Singapore is Lily Wong, Ireland is Siobhan Fitzpatrick, New Zealand Selena Fox, Italy Amelia Gambetti and so on and on. My heart beats strongly naming them.

I know that my view of world map has changed after my first World Forum. Each opportunity of getting in touch with educators of every corner of the world made THE DIFFERENCE in my personal and professional life. Whenever these days I listen the Greek music I feel myself dancing at the Folk Dance with that wonderful group of teenagers who taught us how to dance the their music.

I am also thinking very hard on the wonderful World Forum team from Canada -- a wonderful team that will allow us to really get the best of their culture and education. These athletes are training to put together all the pieces in order to make next World Forum in Montreal another exciting, forever lasting, experience. We are the athletes training to take more people with us to share the joy of getting together once again at the World Forum.

There is a candle flame that Bonnie lights to show us that she's been wating for us to get "home." I feel the heat of that flame that will guide me and others to be with the World Forum family again. Montreal, Canada, be ready, we are coming. The spirit of WoFo will guide all of us. Peace and Love to all of my world map friends."

Magela

For conplete details on the 2005 World Forum in Montreal, go to the World Forum web site at www.WorldForum2005.com.

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