About 2011

BACKGROUND/HISTORY

One World 2011 is a visionary global project slated to reprise the success of 1990’s Goodwill Games. We hope to provide for US - Muslim world relations what the Goodwill Games did for Soviet - US relations.

The Goodwill Games is often credited with being a key factor in the end of the Cold War. Ted Turner has said, “A lot of things ended the Cold War. A lot of straws rode on that camel’s back. Who is to say which one finally broke it? The Games occurred at a very significant point in U.S.-Soviet history and opened a dialogue with the Soviets that would not have occurred without the Games.” U.S. relations with Muslim nations and people could benefit greatly from this model of cooperation and dialogue.

The U.S. Administration’s current position reflects and acknowledges the urgency and opportunity for change. President Barack Obama stated on December 9, 2008, "I think we've got a unique opportunity to reboot America's image around the world and also in the Muslim world in particular."

WESTERN/MUSLIM RELATIONS CONTRIBUTE TO WORLD PEACE

Turbulent events post-9/11 inflated the gap between Arab/Muslim worlds and America. The word “terrorist” became a political synonym among many populations for “Muslim” and “Arab.” Xenophobic reactions in the U.S. and elsewhere have paralleled the "Red Scare" of the Cold War era--this time targeting Muslims, Arabs, and persons of perceived Arab descent.

Relations between the Western and Muslim worlds have significant implications for world peace, prosperity, and stability. It is more urgent than ever for people worldwide to increase respect and understanding for other cultures, religions and ways of life--to break free of historical conflicts and ideological prejudices. The iron wall of negative stereotypes between both regions must be torn down. In order to rebuild trust and partnerships worldwide, establish security, and stimulate a prosperous economy, we must take a bold and creative approach to bringing these regions together.

The new U.S. Administration led by President Barack Obama has stated its commitment to a more effective diplomacy with the Muslim World. In April 2009, in Turkey, President Obama declared, “I’m deeply committed to rebuilding a relationship between the United States and the people of the Muslim world--one that’s grounded in mutual interest and mutual respect.”

The vision of this multi-national event is to create an international and interfaith dialogue, building a lasting avenue of communication and world unity. Thanks to the 1990 Games, we have a model of shared international effort that can achieve such an expansion of goodwill, openness, and connections between cultures.

HOW “THE GAMES” ADVANCED PEACE, CRUMBLED WALLS

During the height of the Cold War, the United States boycotted the 1980 Moscow Olympics, and the Soviet Union boycotted the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984. This inflamed an already tense and polarized world, and strained international diplomacy and intercultural communication--an environment similar to our post-9/11 world.

In a bold and historic move, the Goodwill Games was founded in an effort to restore this important avenue of international cooperation and peaceful relations. The Games aimed to tear down the Iron Curtain through the power of sports, the energy of youth, and the determination of ordinary people.

The Goodwill Games was comprised of a series of worldwide athletic competitions, honoring world-class athletes from 50 countries, and hosting world records through a series of international athletic competitions. It also facilitated multi-national youth exchanges, home-stays with American and Soviet families, and multicultural events. This helped establish common ground between the people of the Soviet Union and the U.S.

A long list of notable achievements and outcomes associated with the Goodwill Games includes:

• Over a billion dollars in investments and joint ventures were formed between the two regions;
• Aeroflot launched direct flights between Moscow and the United States West Coast for the first time;
• Humanitarian American aid was allowed through Soviet space following the Armenian earthquake in 1988;
• 43 major cultural programs visited the United States, some in conjunction with the Smithsonian Institution;
• A Soviet Union Consulate opened in Seattle;
• The Russian American Foundation for Economic Cooperation was founded;

Dozens of Soviet citizens, primarily children, were brought to the United States for medical treatment, including bone-marrow transplants and other lifesaving operations.

The Games brought together, for the first time, unprecedented numbers of Americans and Soviets in Moscow in 1986 and in Seattle in 1990. It brought together historic exchanges of youth, culture, medicine, science and knowledge. It facilitated the building of mutual friendships and business partnerships.

WE CAN DO IT AGAIN.