Winners and Losers Alike

Knowing that you are gathered in Trent, the city where the Focolare Movement was born, for the Congress entitled “Sports and Joy,” I extend a particular greeting to all those present and to all the people of the city who will join you.
From ancient times, participation in sports has meant a time of rejoicing both for participants and spectators. It is not by chance that the Olympic Games have endured up to our times. Christianity later gave value not only to the men and women who won, but also to the glory rendered to God who created people particularly gifted physically (be they individuals or groups), not to mention the contribution of teachers, trainers and supporters.
With Christianity in particular, the losers learned the value of their suffering and defeat because the Son of God has given value to these. Those who lose may even experience a deeper joy which comes from having given—given of themselves in endless hours of training or in co-operating as team members who, when united, give wholly of themselves during a public performance.
True inner joy is born only from self-giving, from love. It is more limpid, pure joy for those who win (if they have striven and won out of love), as well as for those who lose (if they too have striven and lost out of love). Then sport retains its authentic seal and will be elevated to its true social status. It can then contribute to regenerating humanity in our over-stressed world, as an element that brings people together, one of brotherhood and peace among peoples and nations. I hope that especially you, young people, may experience the joy that comes from real sports.
In ancient Greece, all wars were suspended during the Olympic Games. May we not fall short of the example those people have set for us.

Chiara Lubich

Message to the Third Sportmeet International Congress in Trent