PRIME Minister (PM) Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips, extolled the unifying force of the Olympic Games, emphasising its ability to transcend borders and cultures, uniting the world through the universal language of sport.
These sentiments were expressed on Tuesday during the inauguration of an exhibition showcasing the upcoming Paris Olympics at the Guyana National Library.

Addressing attendees, Prime Minister Phillips hailed the exhibition as a fitting introduction to one of the world’s most anticipated sporting events, the Olympic Games.
He explained that the anticipation is greater considering that this will be the first Olympic Games following the deadly and devastating pandemic which restricted spectator attendance at the Tokyo Games.

Thus, the Prime Minister noted that this Olympics in many ways represents a celebration of a return to normalcy and the triumph of humanity and science over a pandemic that threatened our civilisation.
“This exhibition serves as more than just a showcase of Paris’s wonders and beauty.

It celebrates Paris and France’s embrace of the world—a gesture imbued with the same ethos that underpins the Olympic movement itself. The Olympics are not merely about competition; they are about fostering connections, understanding, and camaraderie among nations. The spirit of the Olympics is a timeless and universal force that transcends borders, languages, and cultures,” PM Phillip noted.

Further, the Prime Minister explained that the spirit of the Olympics represents a spirit of perseverance in the face of adversity. It represents solidarity amidst diversity. It portrays excellence and determination. “Through the Olympics, we witness the extraordinary feats of athletes who defy limitations, inspire and remind is of the boundless potential of the human body and spirit.”
H continued: “The spirit of the Olympics transcends the sporting events.

The Olympics serve as a powerful platform where differences are set aside, and common ground is found through the shared language of sport. In a world fraught with conflicts and challenges, the Olympic spirit offers a glimpse of what humanity can achieve when we come together in pursuit of a common goal. It is a reminder that despite our differences, we are all part of the same global community, bound together by our shared humanity.”

By showcasing the shared values of excellence, sportsmanship, and fair play, the Olympics the Prime Minister said demonstrate that amidst rivalry, there exists common ground for co-operation and collaboration.
“As we stand on the cusp of this historic moment, let us embrace the spirit of the Olympics and carry it forward in our hearts and minds…. The Olympic movement embodies the ideals of peace, friendship, and respect. Peace is central to the Olympic ethos.

The Olympics provide a platform for fostering friendships and understanding among athletes from diverse cultural backgrounds, transcending barriers of language, nationality, and ideology. Through the pursuit of excellence and fair play, athletes exemplify the values of respect for themselves, their competitors, and the spirit of the Games. In this way, the Olympic movement promotes a vision of a world of peace, friendship, and respect,” PM Phillips said.

Expressing gratitude, Prime Minister Phillips acknowledged the efforts of the French Diplomatic Office, the Guyana Olympic Association, and UNICEF for organising the exhibition ahead of the Olympics opening.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, the Charles Ramson; French Chargé d’affaires to Guyana and Head of the French Diplomatic Office, Jean-Jacques Forté; members of the Guyana Olympic Association, UNICEF representatives, and members of the diplomatic community, further underscoring the significance of the Olympic spirit in fostering international co-operation and goodwill.