Iran, Wrestling and the Code

The recent travel ban put in jeopardy the US Wrestling Team’s ability to travel to Iran for the World Championships.  The US athletes, who had been training for years, were in limbo for several days.  Finally, they were granted permission to travel.  The surprise came when they took the mat.  There was a tremendous outpouring of support from the Iranian fans, cheering for us as much as for their own team.  The US team was stunned by this spontaneous response.  Does the Code for Living say anything about this?  What can we learn from it?  The Code, of course, talks about respecting others, but more than anything we think this is another example of the way that sports can bridge differences and bring people together.   One of the main principles and benefits of the Olympics is that we are regularly reminded that we share much more in our common humanity than often the politics of nations suggests.  Can you, your team, and your fans demonstrate that same sportsmanship to all your opponents, especially your most bitter rivals?  It’s all about “Winning More Than The Game!”