As hundreds of young people across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains prepare to compete in Catholic Youth Parramatta (CYP)’s LIFTED Sports Day this weekend, they are reminded of the importance that faith can play in sports.
Last year, the Diocese of Parramatta’s youth ministry team filmed a video at the now-named CommBank Stadium in Parramatta about the close relationship between sport and faith.
“The Church sees sport as a powerful instrument for the integral growth of each human person,” James Camden, Head: Mission Engagement, explains in the video.
“Together, we can give thanks to God for the gift of sport in which the human person exercises body, intellect and will.”
Qwayne Guevara, Manager, CYP, says, “sport and faith come together to provide a space for many to grow in character and relationship with one another.
“The beauty of sport is its ability to break down barriers. Whether it’s competitive or social, sport bridges gaps and allows people to see each other face-to-face. In sport, we come together, realise our limitations but it opens our eyes to see what’s possible when we work together.”
The video concludes with a prayer for all sports-lovers to consider as they get ready for the competition.
Lord Jesus Christ
Help us to be witnesses
To your love through sport
Help us to achieve a harmonious and cohesive unity of body and soul
And to use sport for the common good of all.
The 2022 LIFTED Sports Day will be held on Sunday 27 March at Parramatta Marist, Westmead. Sixteen teams from across the Diocese will compete in basketball, volleyball, soccer and touch football in a round-robin tournament.
Highlights of the Sports Day will be posted on Catholic Youth Parramatta’s Facebook and Instagram pages, with an article on Catholic Outlook to come.
