France used to be the center of the world. Back in the era of France as a super power, the world language was French, and you can see the history of Paris as the global capital in the city.

This year France returns to the center of the world as we watch the French Open, the Tour de France and the crown Jewel, the Paris Olympics.

Although we know the Greek connection to the Olympics, the modern Olympics are uniquely French. Although Athen unanimously was awarded the first modern Olympics, it was Pierre de Coubertin, a French pedagogue and historian, who championed William Penny Brookes‘ idea to establish a multi-national and multi-sport event. 

On 18 June 1894, Coubertin organised a congress at the Sorbonne, Paris, to present his plans to representatives of sports societies from 11 countries. Following his proposal’s acceptance by the congress, a date for the first modern Olympic Games needed to be chosen. Coubertin suggested that the Games be held concurrently with the 1900 Universal Exposition of Paris. Concerned that a six-year waiting period might lessen public interest, congress members opted instead to hold the inaugural Games in 1896. With a date established, members of the congress turned their attention to the selection of a host city. It remains a mystery how Athens was finally chosen to host the inaugural Games. In the following years both Coubertin and Demetrius Vikelas would offer recollections of the selection process that contradicted the official minutes of the congress. Most accounts hold that several congressmen first proposed London as the location, but Coubertin dissented. After a brief discussion with Vikelas, who represented Greece, Coubertin suggested Athens. Vikelas made the Athens proposal official on 23 June, and since Greece had been the original home of the Olympics, the congress unanimously approved the decision. Vikelas was then elected the first president of the newly established International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Now Paris is chaotic as they prepare their city and the global capital that was home to the global language is already abuzz with hundreds of thousands of traveller speaking hundreds of languages.

You may be among them.  Which we are jealous of.  We will be enjoying from home. But being your friendly insurance agent heres the 3 things you should do.

1. Get travel insurance: policies cover everything from trip cancellations to medical emergencies abroad, giving you peace of mind to enjoy the games to the fullest.
2. Update your life insurance or buy some for the first time.  Term coverage can be cheaper than you think
3. Finally whether you’re travelling, inspired to get back active at home, or have some youngsters competing in their own junior olympics (sanctioned or backyard), hospital indemnity insurance provides additional financial protection by covering costs associated with hospital stays due to illness or injury, ensuring you’re covered when you need it most.