Revd Ben Harding, chaplain of Trinity Church, Lyon is spending time at the Olympic Games as more than a spectator. He is part of the multi-faith team of chaplains which provides support for athletes, their teams and supporters in Paris.

Revd Ben Harding told the Church Times the multifaith centre is “a place of listening, a place of worship, a place of fun, a place of welcome and a place of resource… “Under the pressure of international expectation for competitors and athletes, there is sometimes just that moment where people stop and they think about what is important and re-evaluate their lives a little bit.”

Our chaplaincies in France have also been involved, with many opening their doors to spectators to offer them a cool place to rest and to pray in amongst the events. Leaflets have also been produced showing which of our French chaplaincies are closest to each sport and venue across the games.

The Ven Dr Peter Hooper, Archdeacon of France reflected: “The Olympic games embodies the sense of a personal sporting challenge whilst at the same uniting all participants in the games as the collective Olympians. This is no different from our faith journey where we have our own personal life challenges whilst at the same being unified within the Christian faith. Sports people require regular training, coaching and practice, our Christian discipleship journey’s require the same and so it is important to help those participating in the games, as well as those who are coming to watch various events, find places where such spiritual nourishment can be found”

 Please continue to pray for Ben and all the team at the multifaith centre in Paris.