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"I love the sense of satisfaction that I get when I’ve done a swimming workout or race, and know that I gave my whole being and heart to God in every moment of the swim. It’s the best worship I can offer him."

Penny Heyns

All for one and one for all

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil, cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honour one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Romans 12:9-13

A British university student had been a regular member of the rugby first team, but then was dropped from the team . Just before the next game the referee said that the player who was to take his place had illegal studs on his boots. The player asked if anyone had any spare studs. As it happened the player who had been dropped, had spare studs in his kit bag. He hesitated for a moment knowing that if he kept quiet - and no one else knew that he had the spare studs - the chances were that he would get his place back. Then he said, "I have spare studs and handed them over".

Ask a retired sportsperson what they miss most about their playing days and the answer is likely to be the banter, the camaraderie. Being part of a team over a period of years, sharing the successes and disappointments creates a bond between people like very little else. You are bound so tightly together because of the immediacy of victory and defeat. You learn very quickly to be blunt with each other because competition demands it. You learn to critique and to praise each other much more often than in everyday life.

The sense of team spirit among the players is a unique experience. For many people the closest, longest lasting friendships of their lives started on the sports field.

The other side of the coin is, however, the competition within the team. You and your best mate can be competing to be the first choice goalkeeper. Each week one of you will be disappointed.

If you are on the bench, half of you would like your team to score and win. The other half of you can't help thinking that if the opposition score, it will increase your chance of getting on the pitch. Can you genuinely say "all the best" to the player playing in your position before she goes out to play the game? If she goes down with an injury do you feel any sense of pity or is it all about you getting your chance now?

How do you love your team mate as yourself, if she has just taken your place in the team for the cup final? Loving your team mates can be difficult. Yet as sportspeople our sports team is the natural place to model what we've learnt in the Christian community. Our role in the team should be to bring the qualities of Christ into the team.



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