The Olympics Paris 2024

The first of the two summer Olympic months has finally come around and the countdown clock to the games stands at just 26 days and 59 days for the Paralympics on 28th August. Paris has been counting down for just under 7 years and probably planning for at least 10 years. I guess there is a particular sport and event which you are looking forward to seeing. It appears the 100 meter final is one of the really big ones but it will be decided in under 10 seconds! What is it about taking part that is so important? We have to look at the Olympic creed. The Olympic Creed says:

‘The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle.  The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well.’

We can see by participating in an Olympic event you have already struggled and worked hard just to be there. That in itself is a great achievement that anyone can be proud of for the rest of their lives.

Behind the glamour of competing in an event, there are a whole host of challenges for the organisers. There are the obvious challenges of food, accommodation and transport. But equally important is the simple task of leaving your tracksuit before the race and being able to collect it after the race. There is an army of volunteer people. These volunteers are working for two weeks for no pay and probably giving up their holiday to be a part of the Olympics. You might think that the terms and conditions are not very appealing, but over 300,000 people applied for some 45,000 roles.  It is a reminder to us that taking part is much more worthwhile than any financial reward.  Being part of something much bigger than ourselves gives us a real sense of pride by being part of that big event. 

The Bible uses images of participating in a race.  Paul reminds the Corinthian church that the race of life (1 Corinthians 9 vs. 24-26) is about an imperishable prize, eternal life. The sense is that we should all enter, compete and be fully prepared to engage in life. We are to be encouraged that God and the great cloud of witnesses who have already run the race now surround us and cheer us on in the race that is life (Hebrews 12 vs.1-2).

As we watch the Olympics and cheer on our favourites, let us also remember how hard the other competitors have worked in training. I am sure we will see the Olympic volunteers in the background of the events and remember how important it is to be a part of the Olympic Games. It is the same for God who sees all of our best efforts and encourages us to keep going.