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October was a month of profound contradictions in Chilean society. The contrast between the sport that unites us and the politics that divides us became clear. While the former recognize and reward effort and teamwork, the latter have accentuated division and hatred.
We came together to enjoy and celebrate the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games while in the former Congress building a constitutional proposal was approved that imposes a unilateral vision that divides.
How good it would be for politics to learn and assume values of the Olympic spirit starting from respect. Respect for oneself and others, for rules and fair play, for diversity and equality.
Open to mutual understanding and appreciation and friendship in diversity. Seek excellence, understanding that participating and giving your best is as important or more important than winning. Live solidarity as we saw in the gesture of Erika Lasso, the judoka who carried her injured opponent on her back.
The Olympic spirit is not limited only to sport. As can be seen from these values of Olympism, they are universal values that apply to sport. Over the years, millions of people around the world have proven that it can be done. In Chile, we have seen how this spirit has deeply penetrated Chilean society. People are happier, social networks have decreased their toxicity and the media have toned down their crime-centric coverage.
The main legacy of the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games is the positive state of mind, the sense of identity with the athletes, the pride of an impeccable organization, the effort and results of the Team Chile, sharing with thousands of visitors and the medals obtained regardless of whether gold, silver or bronze; or it is from Francisca Crovetto, born in Chile or from Santiago Ford who entered Chile illegally walking through the desert.
Unfortunately, politics has not been imbued with this spirit and values and, once again, we will be faced with voting for a constitutional proposal that divides and which, like the previous time, is not everyone’s home but that of a sector. .
Once again we missed the opportunity to unite Chile with a Constitution that is the Common Home. A project that allows us to give meaning to our lives and our Chileanness.
The continued and coordinated work of three governments in a State policy: Bachelet, Piñera and Boric allowed the success of Santiago 2023 and gives us cause for bigger dreams. How important it would be for this willingness to collaborate to extend to other areas.
Only in collaboration can we work for the common good, as opposed to individualism in which some obtain greater benefits to the detriment of others.
Marcelo Trivelli
Seed Foundation
