The awarding to a city or region of the Olympic Games is a high honor and responsibility.  Businesses and government must quickly plan for every detail.  Jobs are created almost immediately and later visitors bring their currencies to pay for food, lodging, and tickets to events.

At the same time athletes are deciding whether to "go for it" and dedicate the next few years attempting to compete alongside others who are making the same decision.  They must not only train their bodies but they must also train their minds to think positively and their wills not to bow to exhaustion and pain.  Those who are successful may be rewarded with medals, homes, lucrative contracts, or almost nothing.  Those who are not successful must wait another 4 years to compete again.

Equipment and clothing manufacturers design technologically advanced 
"uniforms" for every sport which streamline the athlete's movement through the air, water, on grass, pavement, etc.  Mark Spitz wore trunks for swimming that were available in any store.  Mark Phelps wore special trunks designed to let him pass through the water as quickly as possible.  Competition time differences of as little as a hundredth of a second can separate medal winners! 

Christian organizations and individuals plan for outreach before, during, and after the Olympics.  They try and communicate the love of God through Jesus Christ to athletes, local workers, and visitors from many countries as well as photographers and journalists who constantly travel the world.  This is done through street performers, current or previous Olympians speaking, literature hand outs or through friendships and service.  I was a security guard at the summer Olympics in Atlanta in 1996 with YWAM (Youth with a Mission).  I took almost a month off work by planning ahead.  I was a performer in Salt Lake City in 2002 with Lay Witnesses for Christ for 3 weeks.  If you choose to do this, you will pay for all your travel costs, room and board and materials, special clothing, and you will probably be sleeping on the floor getting very little sleep due to the many shifts volunteers work. You will probably get a transportation pass and lunch somewhere not very close. You may be very hot or very cold depending on your work assignment.  You will be able to purchase event tickets that are still available after you find out your work schedule.  In Atlanta I bought tickets for $25 for events within the Olympic Circle that played on my days off.  I only attended 2 of the 3, choosing to do laundry during 1.  The events I watched were exciting once I understood the rules. In Salt Lake City I only attended 1 event and I got standing room only on a ski slope. All will seem easy until the millions arrive. Remind yourself that you are on an adventure! 

The athletes themselves who are believers may also choose to prepare themselves to reach out to other athletes in the times that they spend time together due to competing in the same events.  

Summer Schedule
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