Christianity 2012 Games and Beyond

James Parker & Frank van Velzen

4th February 2012

Although often perceived as merely a sporting event, past experience has shown that an event the size of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, which is watched by two-thirds of the globe, cannot help but have a significant ripple effect on communities across the country where they are hosted. Come and hear about Christianity's historical role in sport, what the churches are collectively doing to support the 2012 Games, and what we can expect of a legacy for the churches once the Games have ended.

In this workshop we will:

• Give an overview of the spiritual values and history of sport
• Give an overview of what the churches are presently doing and planning and how people can engage with this, if not already engaged
• Show how churches can use the 2012 Games as a start of a whole new way of engaging with people
• Show how the legacy of the 2012 Games can have a positive effect on issues of social justice, outreach and ecumenism.

The workshop is open everyone, the following people may find it of particular value:

• Those interested in sport
• Those interested in ecumenism, outreach and/or social justice
• Those who struggle to see a connection between a unique event such as the Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Gospel
• People who have signed up as 'Gold champions' to help their parishes engage with the 2012 Games
• Sports teachers, school chaplains, RE teachers

About the Facilitators

James Parker: James has worked in sports management interfacing with high-profile sports professionals. He transferred to the Vatican in 1993 to direct and manage international events across Africa and the Middle East. He has worked in the Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster's private office where he oversaw all aspects of the Cardinal's public life. Since 2009, he has worked as the Catholic Church's executive coordinator for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. He also chairs the Executive committee of More Than Gold, the churches' inter-denominational Olympic charity, and is Secretary to the John Paul II Foundation for Sport.

Frank van Velzen: Frank is passionate about sport and young people, to such as degree that he is presently in the UK as a volunteer seeking to offer two years of his life in support and encouragement of the Church in its engagement with the 2012 Games. He has spoken widely in Catholic primary and secondary schools and is a keen football fan and hockey player.