For those of you who are my friends on Facebook, you know how important this Olympics is for me (and I am sorry for the numerous posts about #Rio2016). It is important, but not just because it is in Rio de Janeiro and I can finally listen to my own native language, Portuguese, without complaining about the bad translation, nor is it because of the hot guys (who am I kidding? The swimming teams are on fire).
What really made me proud was to see my country walk in front of millions of people. Almost the entire world saw us, but let’s be honest -- most people didn’t know we existed, even though we have been participating since 1996, and nope, we didn’t really get any medals. But it doesn’t really matter, does it? Because we are there to let the world know we exist, and that there are beautiful and talented people all over Africa.
My continent was there, fully represented by amazing and creative athletes with bright colors and rhythm (and maybe I did shed a few tears when I saw them all). But you see, Africa was there, the entire continent. Not just the athletes and their sponsoring agents, nor just the photographers and journalists; the entire continent was there in spirit with each and every country and athlete, from South Africa to Zimbabwe. We were all there with them, holding the flags and seeing people clap for us. I am excited for this year, not because I am expecting my country and my continent to win a lot of medals and stuff (though if we win, it will be one more thing for me to be proud of) but because I am excited to see one nation, united with two goals, representing who they are, and having fun while doing so.
Don’t get me wrong. Brazil is a fantastic country with a lot of room to grow,but majestic in its own way. They made their country proud with the campaign against deforestation. Gisele Bundchen sliding thru the passarelle, Salve Jorge, Ludimila, Anitta, Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil and all the other outstanding singers and dancers were fantastic with those amazing representations of their history and the way they embraced their diversity. It was simply mystifying and beautiful to watch. Brazil is one of my favorite countries in terms of culture (sorry, United States and Portugal) because it is so diverse and its history is similar to ours in Cabo Verde -- our path has crossed countless times. A Cidade Maravilhosa took the moment when every eye was on them and reminded people of what makes them special, what makes them shine, and what makes them struggle. They reminded us that it is okay to be different, and it is those differences that makes us special.
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is what I am excited for. I am excited to see people cheering for Algeria and its 68 athletes just like they would cheer for United States’ 556 athletes. I am excited to get up and say, "That’s my country right there; the tiny country that only fills up seven stadiums of Maracana is now with the big ones!” I am excited to cheer if we win or lose. I am excited to hear Samba and people dancing to Capoeira. I am excited to see the whole wide world together in peace and harmony, laughing, eating and sharing their cultures, forgetting about their social or economic status. I am excited to see the whole nation together being happy, even if it is only for two weeks -- it I will be worth it. I am excited to see them all remember the name of my country and my continent. I hope that this proves that if we want to, we can be and do whatever we put our mind to. If we can join 14 nations and 207 countries and confederations together for two weeks of playing and sharing, maybe -- just maybe -- we could join nations together for an eternity of peace, harmony, love, and good music. Here’s to diversity.
X Peace
P.S. Never stop dreaming and believing.
The girl from the unknown paradise
