Posted by Dave on 08/09/08 at 02:05:46 pm
Categories: Sports Ravings, Genocide in Darfur

Speaking of the political nature of the Olympics that people want to pretend doesn't exist, I must say that the decision to have Lopez Lomong be the United States flag-bearer at last night's Opening Ceremonies was quite cool.

Lomong is/was one of the Sudanese "lost boys." The "lost boys" were thousands of young Sudanese boys who became refugees in the 80's and 90's. Lomong has also become a support and active participant in Team Darfur.

The connection between Darfur and China is incredibly relevant, and you read information on the issue at the Save Darfur coalition. The issue has become even more poignant with the fact that China pulled the visa, at the last minute, from Team Darfur founder Joey Cheeks. Cheeks has been a vocal activist about the issues in Darfur, and is now seeing the ramifications of this activism from the Chinese government.

Like it or not, the Olympics are political. And we need to know why.

Hopefully having Lopez Lomong carry the flag will be just one step towards many learning more.

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