1 Mar, 2010
Canadians Praised for Upbeat Olymipcs
"These were excellend and very friendly Games"
VANCOUVER (AP) -- An Olympics that began with the death of a luger ended Sunday with an exuberant celebration of Canada -- reflecting a determined comeback by the host country's organizers and athletes.
A festive crowd of 60,000 jammed into BC Place Stadium for the closing ceremony, many of them Canadians abuzz over the overtime victory by their men's hockey team earlier in the day to give the host nation a Winter Olympics record of 14 gold medals.
The gaiety -- capped by a boisterous rock concert -- contrasted sharply with the moment of silence at the opening ceremony Feb. 12 for Nodar Kumaritashvili, the 21-year-old luger killed in a horrific training-run crash on the sliding track in Whistler just hours before that ceremony.
The speakers of honor on Sunday, chief Vancouver organizer John Furlong and International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge, each paid tribute to the young athlete.
"We are so sorry for your loss," Furlong said, addressing himself to the nation of Georgia. "May the legacy of your favorite son never be forgotten and serve to inspire youth everywhere to be champions in life."
Furlong then shifted to a more upbeat tone.
"I believe Canadians tonight are stronger, more united, more in love with our country and more connected to each other than ever before," he said.
I Cor. 9:24-25
“You've all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You're after one that's gold eternally.”
It has been a great two weeks of watching some of the greatest athletes in the world compete in the Olympics. We have learned their stories and watched them perform to the best of their abilities. Sometimes their best was enough to win a medal and sometimes their best wasn’t quite medal winning. There is no doubt these athletes train hard, sacrifice much, and compete to get the prize.
The passage above tells us that each of us who follow Jesus are also in a race that requires extensive training. Our race is to live the abundant life that God supplies us with and to help other’s realize how deeply they are loved by God. While a gold medal from the Olympics is very valuable, our prize has infinite value; eternity with Jesus.
Are you living in the joy of knowing Jesus loves you and following His word? Let the reward of living with Jesus forever keep you motivated to stay in the race and share the Gospel with others.
Talk with your friends about the competitions you have seen in the Olympics recently. Ask them if they would ever want to do all the training it takes to be an Olympian.
During your discussions see if there is an opportunity to talk about the most important prize in your life; eternity with God.
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