Last Updated on July 26, 2024 by Daily News Staff
Today, hundreds of Olympic athletes from all 206 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Refugee Olympic Team united in a powerful call for peace. Just four days before the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games, these athletes gathered in the Olympic Village, donning scarves and holding flags emblazoned with the message “Give peace a chance.” This event was not only symbolic but also a poignant reminder of sport’s ability to foster peace and mutual understanding, evenamong athletes from countries currently in conflict.
IOC President Thomas Bach addressed the athletes, drawing on the legacy of Pierre de Coubertin, who revived the Olympic Games in Paris 130 years ago as a beacon of peace. Bach emphasized that today’s athletes are the modern-day ambassadors of peace. “You, the Olympic athletes, will show us how our world would be if we all lived in the same Olympic spirit of peaceful co-existence,” Bach stated. He highlighted the unique environment of the Olympic Village, where athletes from around the globe live together in harmony, respecting the same rules and each other, thereby sending a powerful message of peace to the world.
President Bach urged athletes to extend their call for peace beyond the Olympic Village. “Please share this call for peace with all your fans, your family, and friends back home. In this way, our many voices will become one. This one voice will resound all around the globe. May this call inspire all the political leaders of the world to take action for peace,” he concluded.
The event also saw the inauguration of the Paris 2024 Olympic Truce Mural, attended by prominent figures including President Bach; Tony Estanguet, President of the Paris 2024 Organising Committee; Masomah Ali Zada, Chef de Mission for the IOC Refugee Olympic Team; Emma Terho, Chair of the IOC Athletes’ Commission (AC); and the entire Executive Board of the IOC. Together with athletes from all five continents, they signed the mural, reinforcing their commitment to peace.
“In this Village, there is a symbol within the symbol: it’s the Olympic Truce Mural,” said President Tony Estanguet. “It is the place of gathering and encounters, the place of sharing and peace. It reminds us of the message as humble as it is crucial: the Games cannot change everything, but they can carry something very strong, with the strength of example. An example for peace, solidarity, progress. An example we value and need more than ever in those troubled times.”
Masomah Ali Zada, representing the IOC Refugee Olympic Team, spoke passionately about the significance of peace for displaced people. “We are representing the stories of over 120 million forcibly displaced people across the world. This team knows only too well the importance of peace. The athletes have told me their stories. They know from their own experience what it is like to flee from your home, to have your safety taken from you and have no choice left but to flee because of the ever-increasing number of wars and violence,” she said.
Ali Zada expressed hope and pride in the Refugee Olympic Team’s unity and the broader message they convey. “The team embodies what is possible – it brings people together from different countries, languages, and cultures. Yet we are here, in one team, under a unified flag, the Olympic flag, representing peace and respect. Together,” she noted. She concluded by inviting all Olympic athletes to join in the call for peace, hoping to extend their message from the Olympic Games to the world in the pursuit of lasting peace.
The Olympic Truce Mural, a feature in every Olympic Village since the Olympic Winter Games in Turin 2006, stands as a powerful symbol of sport’s ability to promote peace. Each mural, uniquely designed for the specific Games, collects the signatures of thousands of athletes, coaches, and officials, all pledging their support for the Olympic Truce and the values it represents: peace, respect, solidarity, inclusion, and equality.
The mural also serves as a visual representation of the United Nations’ Olympic Truce Resolution, which calls on all nations to observe a cessation of hostilities during the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The resolution for the Paris 2024 Games, adopted by the UN in November 2023, underscores the Games’ role as a unifying event and highlights the leadership of athletes in promoting peace and human understanding.
Reviving an Ancient Tradition
The tradition of the “Olympic Truce,” or “Ekecheiria,” dates back to Ancient Greece, allowing safe passage for athletes and spectators to the ancient Olympic Games. The IOC revived this concept to protect the interests of athletes and harness the power of sport to promote broader peace, dialogue, and reconciliation.
Since 1993, the UN General Assembly has continuously supported the Olympic Truce, adopting resolutions every two years that align with the Olympic Games, thereby reaffirming the global commitment to building a peaceful and better world through sport and the Olympic ideal.
As the Olympic Games approach, the call for peace from the Olympic Village resonates strongly, reminding us all of the potential of sport to unite and inspire positive change in the world. The athletes, as peace ambassadors, carry forward this timeless message, urging global leaders and citizens alike to “Give Peace a Chance.”
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Major League Baseball’s long-standing relationship with Japan was highlighted during the Tokyo Series in March 2025, featuring the Dodgers and Cubs. The event generated significant revenue and broke viewership records. Japanese players, like Ichiro Suzuki and Shohei Ohtani, have boosted MLB’s global presence, indicating successful international investment.
Jared Bahir Browsh, University of Colorado Boulder
When Shohei Ohtani stepped onto the field at the Tokyo Dome in March 2025, he wasn’t just playing a game – he was carrying forward more than 100 years of baseball ties between the U.S. and Japan.
That history was front and center when the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs opened their 2025 regular season facing off in the Tokyo Series on March 18 and 19. The two games featured several players from Japan, capping a slate of events that included four exhibition games against Japanese professional teams.
It was a massive financial success. Marking MLB’s first return to Tokyo since 2019, the series generated over US$35 million in ticket sales and sponsorship revenue and $40 million in merchandise sales.
The first game of the Tokyo Series broke viewership records in Japan.
For MLB, which has seen significant viewership growth this season, it was proof that its investment in Japan and international baseball over the past three decades has been paying off.
Baseball, which is by far the most popular sport in Japan, was introduced to the nation during the Meiji Restoration in the late 19th century.
American baseball promoters were quick to see the potential of the Japanese market, touring the country as early as 1908. The most famous such tour took place in 1934 and featured a number of American League All-Stars, including Babe Ruth and catcher Moe Berg, who was later revealed to be a U.S. spy.
That trip had a long legacy. The U.S. All-Stars faced a team called The Greater Japan Tokyo Baseball Club, which, a year later, barnstormed in the United States. When they played the San Francisco Seals, the Seals’ manager, Lefty O’Doul – who later trained baseball players in Japan – suggested a name change to better promote the team for an American audience.
Commenting that Tokyo is the New York of Japan, O’Doul suggested they take on one of their team names. And since “Yankee” is a uniquely American term, The Greater Japan Tokyo Baseball Club was reborn as the Tokyo (Yomiuri) Giants.
When the Giants returned to Japan, the Japanese Baseball League was formed, which was reorganized into Nippon Professional Baseball in 1950. The Giants have gone on to dominate the NPB, winning 22 Japan Series and producing Sadaharu Oh, who hit 868 home runs during his illustrious career.
The first Japanese-born MLB player, Masanori Murakami, debuted for the San Francisco Giants in September 1964. But his arrival wound up sparking a contractual tug-of-war between the NPB and MLB. To prevent future disputes, the two leagues signed an agreement in 1967 that essentially blocked MLB teams from signing Japanese players.
By the 1990s, this agreement became untenable, as some Japanese players in NPB became frustrated by their lack of negotiating power. After the Kintetsu Buffaloes refused to give Hideo Nomo a multiyear contract after the 1994 season, his agent found a loophole in the “voluntary retirement clause” that would allow him to sign with an MLB franchise. He signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers in February 1995.
Nomo’s impact was immeasurable. His “tornado” windup and early success made him one of the most popular players in the major leagues, which was recovering from the cancellation of the World Series the previous year. In Japan, “Nomo fever” took hold, with large crowds gathering television screens in public to watch him play, even though his games aired in the morning. Nomo helped drive Japanese sponsorship and television rights as his first season ended with him winning National League Rookie of the Year.
But within a few years, disputes over contracts soon showed the need for new rules. This ultimately led to the establishment of posting rules for NPB players looking to transition to the major leagues.
The rules have shifted some since they were set out in late 1998, but if a player declares their intention to leave NPB, then MLB teams have a 45-day window to negotiate. If the player from NPB is under 25 or has less than nine years of professional experience, they’re subject to the limited MLB signing pool for international players. Otherwise, they’re declared a free agent.
The new rules led many more Japanese players to join major league baseball from Nippon Professional Baseball: Of the 81 Japanese players who’ve played in the majors, all but four played in NPB before their debut. Ichiro Suzuki, who became the first Japanese player inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, was also the first Japanese position player to make the leap.
Other players, like Hideki Matsui, the only Japanese player to be named World Series MVP, continued the success. And then came Ohtani, a two-way superstar who both hits and pitches, drawing comparisons to Babe Ruth.
For MLB, Japanese players haven’t just boosted performance on the field – they’ve expanded its global fan base. The Dodgers brought in over $120 million in increased revenue in Ohtani’s first year alone, easily covering his salary even with Ohtani signing the richest contract in baseball history. The franchise has also seen its value increase by at least 23% to nearly $8 billion. MLB has also seen a significant increase in viewership over the past two seasons, partially driven by the growing interest from Japan.
As American sports leagues deal with an increasingly distracted, fragmented domestic audience, it’s not surprising that they’re looking abroad for growth. And as MLB teams prepare to court another wave of Japanese stars this offseason, it’s clear that its decades-long investment in Japan is paying off.
Jared Bahir Browsh, Assistant Teaching Professor of Critical Sports Studies, University of Colorado Boulder
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
The Sports section of STM Daily News is your ultimate destination for all things sports, catering to everyday fans and dedicated enthusiasts alike. We cover a wide range of topics, from the thrill of amateur competitions to the excitement of semi-professional and professional leagues. Our content delves into physical and mental fitness, providing insights and tips that help individuals elevate their performance, whether on the field or in their personal wellness journeys. Stay informed and inspired as we explore the dynamic world of sports, celebrating both the passion of the players and the joy of the fans.
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Mike “Sleeves” Sliwa interviews Kelsea Thompson, Tournament Director of PickleCon 2025, discussing her journey in pickleball and details of the event happening from August 7-10 in Kansas City, Missouri.
Last Updated on August 6, 2025 by Rod Washington
Join host Mike “Sleeves” Sliwa as he sits down with Kelsea Thompson, Tournament Director of PickleCon 2025, for an inspiring conversation about passion, pickleball, and one of the sport’s most anticipated events.
In this engaging episode, Kelsea shares her personal journey into the world of pickleball – from her first time picking up a paddle to becoming the driving force behind PickleCon’s tournament operations. Discover how her love for the sport evolved and what led her to take on the massive responsibility of organizing tournaments for thousands of players.
Published May 30, 2025
Kelsea provides an insider’s look at PickleCon 2025, taking place August 7-10 in Kansas City, Missouri. Learn about this all-inclusive pickleball paradise that transforms 400,000 square feet of convention space into the ultimate destination for players of every skill level. From competitive tournaments and pro clinics to glow-in-the-dark matches and social events, PickleCon truly offers something for everyone in the pickleball community.
Whether you’re a competitive player, casual enthusiast, skill-building learner, industry professional, or simply a pickleball fan, this episode will give you the inside scoop on what makes PickleCon a must-attend event. Kelsea discusses the unique challenges of organizing such a comprehensive event and shares her vision for creating an unforgettable experience that celebrates everything we love about pickleball.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from one of the key figures making PickleCon 2025 possible – and start planning your trip to Kansas City this August!
PickleCon 2025: August 7-10, Kansas City, MO
Learn more: https://www.picklecon.com
Get the latest updates and information on the rapidly growing sport of pickleball, specifically designed for the senior community aged 50+. Check out Sleeve’s Senior Pickleball Report on YouTube to stay informed and up-to-date with the ever-changing world of pickleball. Join the community and stay ahead of the game.
STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world.
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Matthew Pittman, Associate Professor of Advertising and Public Relations, University of Tennessee This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
