Not all can take part or win in the Olympic games, but all can adopt Olympism, the spirit of fair play, non-discrimination and international peace that inspires the greatest sporting extravaganza on earth.
This was the biggest takeaway for Harshit Panjwani, a Class XI student of St Xavier's School in Ranchi, who along with four schoolmates and teacher Dennis Dawson, took part in the 11th youth forum of International Pierre de Coubertin Committee (CIPC) in Estonia this month.
Back from Ülenurme, a scenic borough in Tartu County, Estonia, where they stayed from August 19 to 26, the Xaverians shared their experiences on Monday in school.
This was the first time an Indian team took part in the 20-year-old history of the CIPC youth forum, a year after its Indian branch came into existence. The five Ranchi St Xavier's students, three boys and two girls, were among the 150-odd students between 16 and 18 years from 27 countries across five continents at the youth forum.
All students had to take part in five disciplines - test of knowledge about Coubertin, the Olympic movement and Olympic values; sports that includes cross country race and swimming; art performances in individual or group events; social work; and debates.
Harshit's batch mate Raj Anand who won a Pierre de Coubertin medal for successfully competing in all five events, said he was surprised to excel in sports. "I'd never participated in sports before but I practised seriously for two months before this Estonia trip," he said.
Harshit, who won a medal for spirited participation, conceded he fell short of required standards in sports.
"I slipped during the cross country race," he grimaced. "But, I was most enthusiastic about taking part in discussions, which was why my name was recommended by teachers from other countries for a medal," he added.
What broke the ice?
"We had to compulsorily share dining table with participants from others countries like Brazil, Kenya and Australia," Harshit said.
Nirja Amyra, Shailly Xalxo and Ashish Shreyansh Ekka did not get medals but were thrilled with the forum.
"I was never a sporty girl but I performed rather well in long jump," said Nirja. "I'd say the atmosphere of the forum inspired me. I also found Estonians very helpful."
They didn't know the Estonian language, a distant cousin of Finnish, but everyone got along well, Harshit agreed. "I just knew how to say hello," he said. "It's tere. But, our hosts went out of their way to make us comfortable."
Sarojini Lakra, a CIPC member and general secretary of its Indian branch, who was present on the Doranda campus on Monday, said they would plan more events.
