Thursday 18 September 2008

Those of you who thought the Olympics was all over in August will have realised by now that it's far from true. Even as you are listening there are athletes still battling it out in Beijing. In the heat and humidity there are finals still to come in events from archery to rugby. I refer, of course, to the Paralympic Games. Athletes have come from all over the world to compete in numerous sports. The Paralympic Games first begun as a small hospital competition for World War II veterans recovering at Stoke Mandeville Hospital. It was formally launched in 1960, and has been growing ever since. Like any other athletes, these men and women have been selected to represent their country as the best of the best in their chosen sport. Unlike other athletes, they are competing not only against others, but also against their own disabilities.

A few weeks ago, I was privileged to meet a medallist on his return from the Olympic Games. I listened in awe as he described his battle on the track. And, yes, like a big kid, I couldn't resist the temptation to touch his medal - just so I could say I've done it. I find myself enthralled by the discipline, grit, courage and determination which goes into competing at the highest level. These men and women have endured brutal training regimes - pushing their bodies to the limit and denying themselves all sorts of things along the way. With their eyes on the prize, they have focused every muscle and sinew on the goal.

No wonder the Bible draws on images of the race track to inspire devotion in the followers of Jesus. We are urged to "run the race", to "keep our eyes on the goal" and above all "not to give up". Like the men and women in Beijing, we are to give our all for something which we believe to be worth it.

I visit the local gym far less frequently than most people visit the church. This means that I'm in awe of anyone who shows the physical discipline shown by these athletes. The hours of hard physical exercise leave me well and truly in the shade. The thing is, all I'm conquering is an aversion to exercise and an overwhelming desire to keep my less than fit body out of sight. The Paralympians in Beijing, conquering so many real odds, are an inspiration to all.