Building Bridges for Peace
In Episode 3, Christian Kirsch takes us on a remarkable journey through the Delphic Games — beginning with the First Youth Delphic Games 1997 in Tbilisi, Georgia, a journey filled with unexpected challenges, cultural encounters, dramatic turning points, and moments of deep human connection. What unfolds is not merely a chronicle of events, but a vivid testament to how the Delphic Spirit and initiative grew across continents.
The episode opens with the II Youth Delphic Games 2003 in Düsseldorf, Germany — a festivity that demonstrated both the difficulties and the resilience of the movement. While political backing was limited, a committed theatre director ensured that the Games took place, proving once again that cultural vision often depends on individual courage. A surprising twist came when the Russian delegation attempted to move the Delphic Headquarter from Berlin to Moscow — a move ultimately rejected by a single decisive vote.
From there, Kirsch guides us to II Delphic Games 2005 in Malaysia, where the Delphic Games for adults nearly collapsed due to missing government funds. What follows sounds like a story out of a film: a Chinese shopkeeper named Mr. Lee, a chance meeting at a fashion show, and an improvised appeal to the Secretary General of Sarawak that turned impending failure into a celebration for the entire city of Kuching. Through these events, Kirsch illustrates how the Games often relied on the kindness, intuition, and courage of individuals.
He then shares an unforgettable moment in Sarawak: watching a sculptor reveal to a young girl the “sleeping beauty” hidden within a block of granite. Her sudden realization — “I see her!” — moved her parents to tears and served as a powerful reminder that creativity bridges generations and opens our eyes to what we usually overlook.
The journey continues to the III Youth Delphic Games in Baguio City, Philippines, where a grocery store transformed into a six-floor arena for breakdance battles. Energy, noise, community, youth culture — all merging into an unforgettable celebration. Even the judges surprised the crowd by performing themselves, proving their credibility and passion to the roaring cheers of hundreds of young people.
But perhaps the most monumental milestone came in 2009: the III Delphic Games in Jeju, South Korea. With 54 nations and 1,700 participants, these Games embodied unity on a historic island shaped by tragedy and reborn as “Peace Island.” A German bagpipe band toured the island to announce the Delphic Spirit, turning the entire region into a living celebration of culture and peace.
South Africa followed with the IV Youth Delphic Games 2011 in Johannesburg, enriched by the symbolic support of Nelson Mandela and his Minister of Education — a reminder of how deeply the Delphic idea resonates in societies striving for reconciliation and renewal.
The episode closes on a personal and emotional note. Kirsch reflects on mistakes, lessons, setbacks, and gratitude. A touching story describes how, upon moving to Berlin, he met Waltraud Kretschmann — who became his partner, co-founder, and unwavering supporter. Their encounter, he says, was “the best moment of my life.”
This episode is filled with adventure, humor, cultural richness, and moving insights. It shows how the Delphic Games grew not through perfect planning, but through human connections, courage, and shared belief. A compelling and inspiring story you won’t want to miss.