Computer-generated image of
Olympic stadium
© London 2012
If you were in two minds as to whether
the Church of England should 'get into the spirit' of the 2012 London
Olympics (27th July to 12th August, Paralympics 29th August to
9th September), take a look at the facts.
A total of 26 sports in 38 disciplines (20 sports and 21
disciplines for Paralympics) will gather millions of people to
three arenas in the Olympic Park in Stratford in East London and
other venues, such as Wimbledon, Wembley Stadium and the O2 - some
9.2 million tickets will be made available.
Many millions more will watch the Olympics on television or the
Internet.
The Olympic Torch Relay route has been planned so
that the Flame will come within 10 miles of 95 per cent of people
in the UK; the venues for evening celebrations and the communities
on the route have now been confirmed.
Given the Games will have a national impact, every parish in
every diocese has the chance to engage with this unique event,
through the shared values of faith and sport.
These pages aim to encourage you to do just that - and to keep
you up to date with the latest information from
around the dioceses on how the Olympics are being turned into a
mission opportunity.
A prayer in preparation for the 2012 Games
Eternal God,
Giver of joy and source of all strength,
we pray for those
who prepare for the London Olympic and Paralympic games.
For the competitors training for the Games and their
loved ones,
For the many thousands who will support
them,
For the Churches and others who are organising special
events
and who will welcome many people from many nations.
In a world where many are rejected and abused,
we pray for a spirit of tolerance and acceptance, of humility and
respect
and for the health and safety of all.
May we at the last be led towards the love of
Christ
who is more than gold, today and forever. Amen