The Summer Olympics in Beijing are a source of immense concern for those who see the Games as a vehicle for the celebration of human dignity. Is China’s record on human rights something to celebrate? Are claims that the Games would serve as a catalyst for improvements proving empty? Does China have much to gain and the Olympic movement much to lose?
Rights & Democracy’s coverage of the Beijing Olympics will begin August 5th with the launch of Olympic Journal, a new website dedicated to the Olympics. Over the course of the Games, which run from August 8 to 24th, the site will feature eight essays on topics ranging from the relationship between human rights and the Olympics to examinations of specific human rights concerns in China.
Olympic Journal Short Essay Contest
We hope that you’ll be inspired to participate in our coverage of the Olympics by submitting a short essay on the connection between the Olympics and human rights to our Olympic Journal Short Essay Contest. The winning author will receive a $500 scholarship grant for qualified students or $300 in cash if the winner is not a student. The best three essays will be published on the Rights & Democracy website after the Games.
The contest is open to youth aged 18-30. The essay must be no more than 300 words, and may be written in English, French, or Chinese. Submit your essay by September 24, 2008 by email to: network@dd-rd.ca, along with your name, address, and phone number. This contest is not open to the staff of Rights & Democracy, nor their immediate family members.
