The Other Olympics

Stories from Olympics with character: 13 international multi-sport events. More than a medal drives these athletes. Ottile honours her donor at the World Transplant Games, Zeljko researches his art at the Gay Games. Armenians gather from around the world celebrating their independence and thousands are in New York commemorating the tenth anniversary of 9/11 at the World Police and Fire Games. Olympism should be more than a medal, more than sport. Baron de Coubertin, founder of the Olympics dreamed of bringing the youth of the world together. The Sportsmen and women of the 2011 Other Olympics weren’t always the elite. Some will compete at London 2012, whilst others would barely make the school team. I wanted to understand the motivation behind these events. On a year long journey to discover the stories and motivations behind these games, what stood out most was the sense of community, whether that be the hospitality of the locals at the Pan Armenian Games, having tea with the Princess of Liechtenstein, shopping with the Palestinian National Football team or doing the conga with a dozen uniformed officers of the South Wales Constabulary.