The influence of faith and the Church on olympic sports

We are about to begin the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, which will start with the opening ceremony on Friday, July 26. Often, we see these kinds of events as simply sporting events and fail to visualize details or alternative teachings that can enrich the meaning of sports in general. There is a profound connection between Christianity and sports, and it is fascinating to observe how faith and sports complement each other in various ways. Sports practice can become a powerful and strengthening expression of faith in God. For many people, sports provide the opportunity to surpass themselves and achieve personal goals, with faith acting as a driving force that propels their success. Let's remember the motto of the International Olympic Committee: "Citius, altius, fortius," which means "Faster, higher, stronger." This motto, with Christian roots, has become the foundation of Olympic sports.

Many saints of the Church have a close connection with sports and even dared to show their sports talents on some playing field. Saint John Paul II said: “Sport is an instrument of education when it promotes high human and spiritual ideals. When it fully forms young people in values such as loyalty, perseverance, friendship, solidarity, and peace.”

Sports can greatly help a believer to live out their Christian virtues, while Christianity can help sports to become more humanized and elevated. Sports transcend cultural and ideological differences, offering a valuable opportunity for dialogue and understanding between peoples. Additionally, they contribute to elevating the dignity of the human person, especially at international events like the Summer and Winter Olympics, as well as the World Championships in football and athletics, among other sports competitions.

Although the relationship and opportunity for evangelization offered by sports were not always clearly perceived, it is true that from the papacy of John Paul II to Francis, there have been positive signs and reflections that have nourished sports discipline in its various fields. But where does the ecclesiastical interest in sports ultimately lie? Pope Francis states very clearly: “The bonds between the Church and sports are a beautiful reality that has been consolidated over time, because the ecclesial community sees in sports a valid instrument for the integral growth of the human person. Sports practice, in fact, stimulates a healthy surpassing of oneself and one's own selfishness, trains the spirit of sacrifice, and, if correctly focused, promotes loyalty in interpersonal relationships, friendship, and respect for rules.” Pope Francis, Message to the delegates of the European Olympic Committees, 23/11/2013.

The Church is involved in sports practice due to its concern for the physical and spiritual well-being of human beings. It recognizes that the human being is a complete unity, composed of different dimensions that interact and influence each other. Christian anthropology seeks to address human life in an integral way, avoiding reductions that limit our understanding of who we are.

Sports practice offers us a unique opportunity to cultivate both our body and our mind and spirit. Through sports, we can strengthen our discipline, develop physical and mental skills, and improve our overall health. Additionally, sports allow us to experience values such as teamwork, personal improvement, perseverance, and solidarity.

In this sense, how do you think sports can contribute to your physical and spiritual well-being? What virtues or values do you think can be developed through sports practice? How does this reflection motivate you to increase your commitment to sports discipline?