I remember vividly the excitement I used to feel when it was time to watch the Olympics on TV. From the highly choreographed opening ceremonies to the positive stories about young athletes, it was always a breathtaking television event. And then the sports events themselves; inspirational to watch athletes achieve what is seemingly impossible.

The Summer and Winter Olympic Games are held every four years on an alternating schedule, which means there is an Olympics competition each two years. This year the Summer Games are in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Rio is also hosting an outbreak of the Zika virus which seemed to explode there in 2013, polluted waters and an economy in tatters.

According to writer Chris Barton's article in the Los Angeles Times of Aug. 4, over 7500 hours of Olympic television programming is scheduled to air. That translates to about 312 - 24 hour days; an incredible amount of airtime.

However, there remain consistent concerns about the threat of visitors or athletes contracting the Zika virus, particularly dangerous to pregnant women. The virus can can cause serious birth defects in the unborn. In fact, newly pregnant anchor of the Today Show Savannah Guthrie opted out, understandably, from attending the event; better safe than sorry. There is also worry about water sanitation and safety. Pollution has plagued the area's waters and World Health Organization scientists have warned that athletes could get violently sick from swimming in Guanabara Bay.

And of course, there's the matter, no less worriesome, of possible terrorist attacks. They could happen anywhere but it just takes one fanatic to want to 'make a statement' on a stage occupied by the world. Not to mention, there have been allegations of corruption in Brazil’s federal government. The country has been in a deep recession after the International Olympic Committee awarded the Games to Rio de Janeiro back in 2009. Maybe Rio was not the optimal place to hold the Games. But it's too late for second thoughts now.

I will watch the Games, not all 7500 plus hours but some of it. I know I will enjoy viewing the athletes' achievements. We have to remember the positive energy, dedication and patriotism of athletes from all over the world who came to compete and spread the affirmative message that we have to fight for excellence and righteousness. Hopefully, good will prevail over evil and health and safety will be sustained for all involved.....