Most casual sports fans do not even realize there is an Olympic anthem. The song is officially just called “Hymn,” and was originally composed by a Greek musician known as Spyros Samaras. It is sung at both the opening and closing ceremonies. The group chosen to represent this voice of the Games, was forty children from the Project More NGO, in Vila Ipiranga, Niterói (a favela the Metropolitan Region of Rio). Project More works among the communities there promoting cultural and sport activities for children.  The kids were invited to sing the anthem after the ceremony’s music composers saw a video of the choir, that had gone viral on the internet, produced by the children themselves. The manifesto written by the director of Project More describes the mission of this project and an echoing theme of the games. “The more project was born because of you. It was your cry, your pain; voices too afraid to call for help. It was the violence day after day; and those shots fired, awakening you in fear. It was the lack of opportunity, the total lack of help and encouragement. It ended calling loudly inside my chest; a call for help. I felt your pain, I cried your cry, and even yelled to myself, ‘there has to be a way!” I had to find a way that love could be poured into your lives and could drag you out of the limits of the favela. I don’t accept the limits of the favela. I don’t support the abuse, violence, hunger and misery so what could be done? The more project was birthed. This love poured over you all; eye to eye, truth, justice and opportunity. I believe in you all. I believe that you will see peace, that you will see love. I believe that you will break this cycle and write a new story I believe I will see you break through limits, breaking chains and reaching high places. I believe I will see you as champions, winners, conquerors ⁽²⁰⁾. Continue reading about Project MORE.