inter Olympics Invitation

ome time ago Baron Von Lodge was the head of a small country near Switzerland known as Lilliland.

The Winter Olympics Association sent an inquiry to the Baron to ask if Lilliland would be interested in hosting a future winter Olympics. A representative from the association would be available to make a presentation to the governing board for such decisions.

The representative arrived and met with a twelve-member board to decide whether to extend an invitation to Lilliland. The presentation was well done and the representative mentioned how “it would really put Lilliland on the international map,” and that the place “would be crowded with visitors from all over the world.”

The board was meeting to vote on whether it wanted the winter Olympics to come to Lilliland or not. There was much debate and when the final vote was taken, it was six yes and six no. It was a tie and it was up to the Baron to cast the tie-breaking vote.

The Baron asked that he be given a few days to think over his decision before casting his vote.

Finally, the day came when the Baron was to announce his decision. The Baron said he would invite all of the teams to come and use the ski paths for practice providing they did not get in the way of the regular tourists. But his decision was to say “No” to the invitation. It was a kind invitation and very flattering to all of the citizens of Lilliland. It meant that the ski trails were considered world class.

The reason that Baron voted against the games was because he feared the onrush of all the enthusiastic fans that would overtax the infrastructure of Lilliland. The country was a quiet place where families enjoyed visiting for a relaxing holiday or vacation. All of the activities that were offered in both summer and winter were designed for enjoyment at a leisurely pace.

A few days later, the Baron asked Professor Hamblin of any additional thoughts that he might have about the Olympic decision. The Professor said that he knew that it was a difficult decision and that time would tell whether it was a good. But for now, he thought it was a wise decision.

In some circles in Lilliland it was an unpopular decision, or an opportunity lost, but it was the right decision to keep Lilliland the place that its citizens wanted it to be.