Furthermore, we’re heartened to see the United Nations General Assembly Monday, Dec. 9 unanimously pass a resolution calling for a truce during the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. The resolution asks nations to respect the Olympic Truce from seven days before the start of the Olympic Games in July 2020 until seven days after the Paralympic Games.

International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach thanked the UN for its support.

“In our fragile world, we see our shared values and principles challenged in many ways, not only in the international community but also in sport,” Bach said. “The IOC is fully committed to preserving and strengthening these values and principles of respect for the rule of law, solidarity and political neutrality. But our commitment is not enough. We depend on the support of you, the governments, for our mission and our neutrality.”

The consensus for the Olympic Truce resolution included future hosts of the Olympics, such as the winter games in Beijing, China in 2022 and summer games in Paris, France in 2024.

It’s too bad the world couldn’t practice the ancient Greek tradition of “ekecheiria” – Olympic Truce – every year. Mingling with the nation’s best bobsled/skeleton teams around the village these past two weeks, we’re reminded of that family feeling from 40 years ago when the entire world came together in peaceful competition for the 1980 Olympic Winter Games.

Peace be with you this holiday season and throughout the entire year.