I think every organization, conference, city, or profession should periodically sponsor their own version of an Olympics-style competition for the following reasons:
Jeffrey Cufaude challenges us all to find our own Olympics. Click through to see why he thinks it's a sensible idea, then spend some time thinking about how and where you could be an Olympian. Looking for personal responsibility in the Olympics reminds me of this favorite thought from Michael Gelb
The best communicators, motivators, and leaders take a different approach. They view competition in accordance with the original Olympic ideal--a javelin thrower throws his best to honor the gods, expressing the glory of humanity and inspiring his opponent to greater achievement. The opponent responds by mustering his best aiming to spur his competitor to further glory. Competition becomes a creative process, energizing the-ending quest for excellence.