Vicar’s July letter

Dear friends,

As I write this letter, the papers, TV and radio are full of reports aboutEngland’s progress in the European Championships held this year inUkraineandPoland. The team have surprised many with their results in the group stages after travelling with generally low expectations for a variety of reasons. Last weekend the US Open coverage attracted interest with Lee Westwood (fromEngland) and Graeme McDowell (fromNorthern Ireland) both in contention. Discussion now turns to the possibility of a British winner of the Open in July. Following Rafael Nadal’s record breaking win inParislast week, those interested in tennis are turning their thoughts towardsWimbledonin late June / early July.

Despite the interest these current and forthcoming events, the nation’s sporting focus this year is concentrated firmly upon the Olympics, officially hosted byLondon, but with events taking place aroundEnglandand inScotlandandWales. The return of the Summer Olympics to theUKafter a period of 64 years has created massive interest and the demand for tickets has been unprecedented. Occurring in 2012 and coinciding with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee has led to an increased sense of excitement and national pride. The journey of the Olympic torch around the country has served to heighten awareness and anticipation. Many people have tickets to particular events and many more have plans to watch events on TV.

I have had the privilege, over the years, of attending a variety of sporting events in theUK, in the states and in various places around the world when I used to travel a lot on business. I have been entertained and inspired so many times. I have seen many of the footballing greats of the last 50 years, from Bobby Moore and George Best through to David Beckham and Wayne Rooney and have watched a variety of countries in international matches. I have watched Champions League games inSpain,ItalyandTurkey. I have seen Michael Jordan play basketball and Joe Montana play (American) Football. I have seen Linford Christie, Kelly Holmes and a host of other British and International athletes compete in a variety of events and arenas.

However, the sporting event that inspires me most occurred before I was born and involved somebody not participating in their chosen event. I refer to Eric Liddell not competing in the 100 metres (or the 4 * 100m, or the 4 * 400m) at the 1924 Olympics inParis because the heats were scheduled to be run on a Sunday. As a devout Christian, Liddell felt it inappropriate to run on a Sunday, preferring to keep the day set apart for God. His story is powerfully told in the 1981 film Chariots of Fire, due to  be re-released later this year. If you are looking for a true Olympic hero in these days of disputes about bans for drug cheats, look no further than Eric Liddell, a wonderful athlete and an inspiring Christian.

Yours