Running the Race # end

Last month I wrote about the Olympics and the Paralympics at a time when none of us knew just how fantastic the two weeks of the former would be for us as a nation. Looking back on the first couple of weeks in August who would have imagined we would have come third in the medals table beating everybody except the USA and China and then ending with the greatest accolade going to the 70,000 volunteers who gave of their time, energy and resource to make the Olympics a joy for all who attended and watched on TV.

 

Like life, it was a roller coaster event of major ups and downs with tears of joy and sadness. Hopes realised and hopes dashed. The men crying as much as the women and that was just the audience let alone the athletes themselves.

 

The perception of Team GB around the world was definitely enhanced, and who knows, perhaps it will even pay dividends in the future on the tourism front.

 

I for one was very grateful to Providence for the overall outcome.

 

I'm now looking forward to the Paralympics because in terms of inspiration, we should all take encouragement from our fellow citizens who have often overcome incredible odds just to maintain hope for life. I am very humbled by the courage I witness, from all the Paralympians including those of our armed forces that end up competing in the Games as well.

 

We can all play our role in the gift of encouraging each other.

 

I spoke to a friend of mine who is a lecturer at the University and we both remarked on the fact that the Olympics were a perfect launch pad for what some call the 'big society'. All the factors were there: Fantastic athletes; good planning; financial governance; excellent security; great coverage from the BBC and of course the heart and generosity of the volunteers and the goodwill of the nation.

 

What next? Well definitely a legacy of sport for the next generation. Somebody once said that you can judge the quality of a civilisation by how well they treat their children. All over the news a great story of helping the younger generation. The only other news to cloud the whole experience was the death of little twelve year old Tia Sharpe, possibly by an extended family member.

 

If we are to 'run our race' of life as the Apostle Paul said we need to understand, as any athlete understands, that it takes courage, commitment and perseverance to win the 'prize of life'. Giving our children hope is a great achievement for any parent. We also bring our children up in a 'little villages' with Dads, Moms, Aunts, Uncles, Brothers, Sisters and the all important Grandparents. If there is no accountability in the family village, then it is hard for real accountability and protection of our children to be realised. As good as the social services are, they don't live with families 24/7.

 

The athletes all thanked their families for the support they had received. This was almost their first response when asked about winning a medal. Thanks to family and friends for the support without which I would not have made it. Winning the race is tough enough, that's why we have to do it together.