the weird & wonderful world of sport. what is elite sport like? “what i know most surely about...

The Weird & Wonderful World of

Sport

What is elite sport like?“What I know most surely about the duty of a man - I owe to sport.” Albert Camus, French Philosopher

“The most important thing in the Olympic games is not winning but taking part.”Baron Pierre de Courbetin, Founder of the IOC

“Serious sport has nothing to do with fair play. It is bound up with hatred, jealousy, boastfulness, and disregard of all the rules.” George Orwell

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What is elite sport like for the athlete / staff / coaches?

“Football is like a beast. It can overtake your whole life so you forget who you are and who your family are.” - Ian Holloway, former Crystal Palace Manager

•Unreal•Self absorbed•Machoistic•Banter•Disciplined / Undisciplined•Managing the buzz•Rollercoaster lifestyle

“You can be close to being in hell then rise to heaven just like that.” Jens Lehmann, Arsenal

• Own morality• No consequences• Controlling /

manipulative• Abuse loyalty• Power by association• No performance = no

interest• Spiritual relationship can

be performance based

Performance is everything

“the feeling all of a sudden when the gold medal has gone somewhere else is quite indescribable.” Lord Coe

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• In the world not of it• People not performance

What is the Chaplain’s place in elite sport?

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Varies massively dependent on sport and club•Bottom of the ladder•Not performance based•What to expect• Feel like a lemon• Uninformed• Unwelcome• Avoided• Not integrated• Prevented

Where does elite sport place chaplains?

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The Chaplain’s Role

“To provide holistic spiritual and pastoral care, by permission, all towards the well-

being of people in sport”

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Types of chaplaincy

• Ministry of presence• Ministry of interruption• Hanging about• Peripheral• Outsider /Insider• Listening ear

• Formal• Evangelistic – Famous

athletes• Personal priest• Relationship

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• Presence - Be there, be different – Jesus

• Excellence – in everything we say and what we do

• Relationship - Compassionate

• Confidentially – trust, a safe port of call

• Humility – Beyond reproach - integrity

“it’s all about Him”

Key VALUES of Sports Chaplaincy

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To those of all faiths and no faith

“For God does not show favouritism,” Rom 2:11

Chaplaincy to who?

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CHAPLAINCY

Character / Gifting

Sport

Time

God’s will

Club/organisation environment

Church

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“Be aware and don’t compare”

• Presence - Be there, be different – Jesus

• Excellence – in everything we say and what we do

• Relationship - Compassionate

• Confidentially – trust, a safe port of call

• Humility – Beyond reproach - integrity

“it’s all about Him”

Key VALUES of Sports Chaplaincy

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Values expressed Chaplaincy - minimums• Commitment to prayer• Servant heart• Pastoral gift• Accountable (reference)• Adhere to safeguarding• Consistent attendance at sporting

organisation outside of ‘event / match’• Commitment to ongoing development

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Questions

Keep in touchKeep in touchM: 07863 106952M: 07863 106952E: E: warren.evans@sportschaplaincy.org.ukwarren.evans@sportschaplaincy.org.ukt: @pastorwazzat: @pastorwazza Registered Charity: 1005446