Dear
Friends
This
summer there has been a lot of excitement over the Olympics, and more recently
the Paralympics. Those people I have
spoken with who have attended these events have spoken of very efficient
organisation, and of how friendly and good-natured everyone has been from
members of the public to the officials and Police officers on duty. How refreshing it is to have reports of
events where vast crowds have gathered to share in something good. We see so many ugly crowd scenes these days,
and even occasions that start peacefully can too easily erupt into
violence. At the Games we have seen that
it is possible for vast numbers of people to share together in a spirit of
peace and friendship.
Another
aspect of the Games that has touched me was hearing athletes speak about their
dedication and commitment to improving on their own personal best, and to
achieving the highest standard they can in their chosen sport. That attitude has been an inspiration to
many. The Paralympics have been
especially inspiring in view of the obstacles faced by sports men and women
with disabilities and their determination to reach their fullest potential. Their high standards of achievement and their
courage are an example to us all. So
many of us who are able bodied fail to appreciate the health and strength that
we have. Sometimes, though, when we are
ill or are temporarily incapacitated by some kind of injury, we can begin to
imagine what it must be like for those whose lives are a constant battle with
discomfort, or who struggle to find a way of performing the simple routine
tasks that other people carry out with ease.
People
are talking now about the legacy of the Olympics and Paralympics. It is to be hoped that we can utilise the
lessons learned about good organisation of events, and that we can harness the
goodwill that has been generated. Some
have spoken of their hope that today’s children and young people will be
inspired by these Games to strive to achieve the best they can in their own
chosen sports. Among the athletes and sports people are some good role models,
and young people need good role models.
Even those who are not particularly athletic or ‘sporty’ can perhaps be
spurred on to practise whatever gifts and skills they have in other areas and
to develop their own talents to the best of their ability. Each one of us is a unique child of God with
the potential to grow and become the person God created us to be. May we all be inspired by the Olympics and
Paralympics to develop our God given abilities and talents, not only for our
own personal fulfilment, but also for the benefit of others.
With my love and prayers
Glynis Hetherington
