Written by Burt Bacharach, it became a hit by Jackie DeShannon in 1965. I was three years old then. While I don’t recall that version, I do remember this song recorded by Dionne Warwick a few years later. It was played on our local radio station, on my parents’ stereo, and sung by me and my 6th grade classmates at our graduation from Bartlett Elementary School in the early 1970s. The chorus “What the world needs now is love, sweet love,” is a sentiment that spans decades, yet still rings true today.
I’m reminded of this, especially now, when the volume on political news reported around the globe seems ratcheted up every day. I find the current decibel level deafening. Thankfully, there are also positive news stories that highlight people and events that unite us, rather than divide us.
Such was the recent Opening Ceremonies of the XXV Winter Olympic Games. Welcome Milan Cortina 2026! With the world’s premier sporting event upon us for another week, I am grateful they are here.
From my journal: February 8, 2026, Newbury Park, California
“…saw Ice Skating (Free) Dance pairs…(M.) Chock is from Redondo Beach – a local!…her partner /husband E. Bates were so much fun to watch…the bull and matador on ice…enjoyed the story of their parents and how they’ve all become longtime friends…brings people together…”
I’ll never forget attending the XV Olympic Winter Games also known as Calgary 1988. So amazing! I wrote In the Olympic Spirit and Bringing Out the Best posts about that experience. There’s something so special about being a spectator to this athletic competition held on the world stage every four years. Whether viewing in person or from the comfort of home, the spirit of the games is truly contagious!
Always interested in history, I learned that the first ancient Olympic Games were held in Olympia in 776 BC to honor the Greek god, Zeus. To participate, athletes had to be male and of Greek descent. Then, most competitions were individual sports, like running, wrestling, boxing, and pankration, an ancient form of martial arts. The only exception was the equestrian competition. And the reward? Only one was given, and that went to an overall winner on the last day of competition. At the ceremony, the victor was named, as well as his father, and his city. A judge then placed an olive branch on his head and upon his return home, he was warmly welcomed and forever honored as a hero.
The first modern day Olympic Games kicked off in1896. Over the 10-day event, 280 male athletes from 14 nations competed in over 40 events across nine sports. It was held in the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens. This marked the beginning of awarding medals, silver and bronze only, and the International Olympic Committee, created two years prior, overseeing the event.
Today’s Olympic Games have grown into major productions. They now include Winter and Summer gatherings that take place over 16 days, are held in various countries and host cities around the world, and include male and female athletes from over 200 nations. Wow! This year’s Olympic Games feature over 115 medaled events, with 16 disciplines in eight sports. Yet, with all the changes, there is one thing that remains the same. That is the mission, the values, and the core beliefs behind the Olympic Games.
Known as Olympism, this philosophy seeks to promote a peaceful world with a focus on human dignity and the belief that sport is a human right. It’s three tenets are excellence, respect, and friendship. As athletes strive for excellence, they are applauded for being the best they can be, with an emphasis on effort. Participants are honored for demonstrating respect for themselves, competitors, and the rules of sport. And as friendships are forged, these relationships become a bridge to cultural, religious, and political divides.
Then, as they are now, the Olympic Games continue to be an important celebration for participants and spectators alike. They inspire us, providing positive role models especially to our youth, encouraging them to get involved in physical activities and to lead healthy lives. They promote national pride, allowing countries to showcase their athletes, culture, and accomplishments. And they unify us, helping us identify, address, and solve global issues cooperatively.
Given the times we are living in, yes, we still need love as the song goes. But besides love, perhaps what the world needs now is to champion the Olympic Games for all the values they represent. Global peace, dignity, excellence, respect, and friendship. As they relate to sports, and our humanity.
A Journal Journey 