The Gold Coast had the honour of hosting the XXI Commonwealth Games
The Games saw 71 nations, 4426 athletes arrive ready to compete across 19 sports during the month of April. Like any major sporting event, there were highs and lows, personal bests and records set as well as disappointments and personal circumstances to navigate. New friends were made from near and far and significant moments in people’s lives were formed.
We at SCA had 5 chaplains involved in the multi faith centre, caring for and providing support for the residents in the athlete village. With the experience of David Tyndall & Paul Reis surrounding the new blood in major games in Ricky Diou & George Dansey, all supporting Hannah Johnson as she took some time away from SCA and worked with the organising committee for the Games to oversee the chaplaincy in the village & the Multi Faith Centre.
It was a great experience for all involved and an opportunity to expose the nations of the commonwealth to the great work of sports chaplaincy. Here are comments from some of those that got to experience chaplaincy.
“It is such an honour to hear the inspiration message from you and your kind thought. You were such an inspiration to me and made each day pass with a lot of joy and happiness upon me. Truly, you made me feel closer to my family because of your goodness, kindness and Love shown to me. Surely, our God shall remember you in his abundance grace.”
“My congregation was happy to hear how we shared our time of fellowship and the prayers.”
Jeff, Zambia team official
Australian athlete Declan talking about connecting with other Christian athletes during the Games: “We were able to inspire and share, and encourage each other,” he said. “We’re all pursuing excellence in a sport, and the sporting world is our mission field as well,” he said. And at the same time, sharing the fact that we’re all brothers and sisters.”