Beijing 2022: The Power of Sports

The Opening Games for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics is set for tomorrow, which always bring a sense of positivity, inspiration, optimism, and unity as five continents come together for the most renowned sporting competition worldwide. The Olympic Games, alongside its tremendous power to bring communities together from local to global levels, from devoted fans to professional athletes, also has an importance well beyond the games. The ultimate goal of the Olympic movement is to contribute to building a peaceful and better world by educating the youth through sport practiced without the discrimination of any kind and, in the Olympic spirit, which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fairness of play.

This year, the Winter Olympics are set to begin amidst a cloud of geopolitical tensions, COVID-19 protocols, and quite sponsors. The lead up to the games, alongside crackdowns announced to already restricted atmospheres, has brought on additional stress and uncertainty. The Games will take place in three bubbles guarded by workers in hazmat gear and cut off from the surrounding cities – and from ordinary citizens as well. Those inside the bubbles must download a mobile application that monitors their health and controls their movements between venues. The Olympic events will also take place in front of a limited audience. Although many may not agree with the current protocols in place, it does not hinder the specific performances, milestones, and phenomenal achievements that stellar athletes and countries will experience during the two months of magic in Beijing.

It is with great admiration that we can also highlight how dominant of a role that technology plays in our lives, every day, and how we have only grown more reliant on technology to communicate with one another, and to connect worldwide for events such as the Olympics. We are in the middle of a technological revolution that has only been enhanced in being forced to live and experience our lives virtually during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Companies have continued to innovate both, both efficiently and effectively, and technological powerhouse names have led the way in helping us to adapt to the new norm, even when planning and preparing for event such as these.

Despite all of the worldly background noise, the tremendous power of sport lives on as the Olympic Games approach. The Winter Olympics will go on as planned, and it will be a monumental one for sure. Beijing will be the first city ever to host both the Winter and Summer Olympics. Thirteen years ago, Beijing impressed the world with the outstanding delivery of the Summer Games, which left numerous memorable events not only for the audience, but for the athletes, and the whole Olympic family. In 2008, Beijing left priceless legacies for the eastern giant, playing an immense role in the development of sports afterwards and leaving legacies that are still being built on today in preparation for this year’s 2022 Winter Games.

The motto of the 2022 Olympic Games symbolizes and expresses our determination and desire to work with people of all nations to create a harmonious and beautiful world. “Together for a shared future,” we are working towards more passion, more impact, and more appeal. This motto is meaningful as it truly exemplifies the incredible power of sport in our society today. We will all cling onto the stories that we hold dear regarding the athletes in the spotlight, how they got here, and where they are going. We will continue to be on the edge of our seats during intense competitions.

Professional athletes are a unique population, and, as Head of Sports and Entertainment at Rockefeller Capital Management, it is such an honor to work with these individuals, considering financial and non-financial assets alike, to ensure that they achieve their goals and objectives during their career. More importantly, it is vital to ensure that these athletes are prepared well beyond their careers – leading into a successful and prosperous retirement once their playing career and journey comes to an end. We strive to help athletes preserve their legacies while pursuing their passions, so that they continue to be involved, assist in bettering the community, and contribute philanthropically to specific organizations and causes that have always been close to home. The Olympic Games is an opportunity for these athletes to shine on the world stage, and it is an exciting time for us to come together to celebrate the power of sport, from local to global levels. We look forward to another exciting and exhilarating two weeks ahead.

One World. One Dream. One Future. All Connected.?