The Weird & Wonderful World of Sport

1. The Weird & Wonderful World of Sport

2. 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 Registered Charity: 1005446

3. 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

4. Performance is everything • Own morality • No consequences • Controlling / manipulative • Abuse loyalty • Power by association • No performance = no interest • Spiritual relationship can be performance based “the feeling all of a sudden when the gold medal has gone somewhere else is quite indescribable.” Lord Coe Registered Charity: 1005446

5. What is the Chaplain’s place in elite sport? • In the world not of it • People not performance Registered Charity: 1005446

6. Where does elite sport place chaplains? • 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 Registered Charity: 1005446

7. The Chaplain’s Role “To provide holistic spiritual and pastoral care, by permission, all towards the well-being of people in sport” Registered Charity: 1005446

8. Types of chaplaincy • Formal • Evangelistic – Famous athletes • Personal priest • Relationship • Ministry of presence • Ministry of interruption • Hanging about • Peripheral • Outsider /Insider • Listening ear Registered Charity: 1005446

9. Key VALUES of Sports Chaplaincy • 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” Registered Charity: 1005446

10. Chaplaincy to who? To those of all faiths and no faith “For God does not show favouritism,” Rom 2:11 Registered Charity: 1005446

11. “Be aware and don’t compare” God’s will Church Character / Gifting Sport CHAPLAINCY Time Club/organisation environment Registered Charity: 1005446

12. Key VALUES of Sports Chaplaincy • 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” Registered Charity: 1005446

13. 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 Registered Charity: 1005446

14. Questions Keep in touch M: 07863 106952 E: warren.evans@sportschaplaincy.org.uk t: @pastorwazza Registered Charity: 1005446