
SARAJEVO, February 1984
From the 8th to the 19th February 1984, Sarajevo hosted the XIV Winter Olympic Games. White doves were let out into the air and fireworks lit the city skies. It opened up its gates and showed the world its glitter.People were running through the streets shouting and cheering without fear or suffering. Christians, Moslems and Jews sang the same songs, embracing one another, without racial or religious discrimination.
This
overwhelming festival of young sports, which was opened by Mika Spiljak, will enter the
history books not only by the new records set, but by the fact that in Sarajevo the first
Olympic Games on Communist ground were held. This joy was followed by about two billion
people world-wide, and, for many, will for the first time will learn of the wondrous city
of Sarajevo. 2,500 champions from all around the globe, gathered on the one place, and in
kind heart, fought for the greatest prize in the history of sports. However, everyone took
part in this challenge, from the competitors, to the organizers, to the citizens of
Sarajevo who helped to the absolute success of the Games. The records themselves
arent very important. What is important is the splendid memories of the city and the
fabulous Olympics.
Many
significant people sent their regards to the city for the "best Olympics to
date". Even famous actors like Kirk Douglas (and others) sent their direct admiration
for the amazing organization. Sarajevo is an example for real and truthful fair and good
play of the Games.After many armies had walked over the bloody path through Sarajevo, a
pair of feet arrives from Mt. Olympia, carrying a torch for one flame, for one message,
for one race, for one Earth.The torch plunges and lights a flame and send out a message to
the world that Sarajevo is a city in which peace will live infinitely...