[AlphaSigOU]

Yep... I was disappointed with the 'color' commentary during the Parade of Nations. Who gives a rat's ass over whether some tin-pot dictator will pay $1,000,000 to the athlete from their country who medals at the Olympics? Or the flagbearer from Outer Bumfuckia wearing traditional dress more suited to cold climates than the hot Athens summer? BFD!

And I really didn't wanna hear about the fact that there are no women on the Saudi Olympic team. That's their culture, and they ain't gonna change at the drop of a hat.

What the f*ck happened to the taking of the athletes and officials oath-taking ceremony? Guess it wasn't important enough to show on TV. (The athletes and officials oath is taken after the lighting of the Olympic Cauldron.) And the symbolic release of the pigeons...? Ya gotta squeeze in a few more commercials, so I guess it ain't important.

THE ATHLETES' OLYMPIC OATH
(Recited by an athlete on the Greek Olympic Team.)

“In the name of all competitors I promise that we shall take part in these Olympic Games, respecting and
abiding by the rules which govern them, committing ourselves to a sport without doping and without drugs,
in the true spirit of sportsmanship, for the glory of sport and the honour of our teams.” - (Olympic Charter, 2003, p. 101)

THE OFFICIALS' OLYMPIC OATH
(Recited by a Greek sports official.)

“In the name of all the judges and officials, I promise that we
shall officiate in these Olympic Games with complete impartiality respecting and abiding by the rules which govern them, in the true spirit of sportsmanship.”




"Olympism is a philosophy of life, exalting and combining in a balanced whole the qualities of body, will and mind. Blending sport with culture and education, Olympism seeks to create a way of life based on the joy found in effort, the educational value of good example and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles." - The Olympic Charter, Fundamental Principles, 2.