Celebrating the 'Gift in Sport'

Wednesday July 16 2014

As Glasgow prepares for the Commonwealth Games, a major conference will be held in the city tomorrow (Thursday) exploring the unique role that sport can play in promoting unity and respect for all.

Leading theologians will come together with elite athletes, including Olympic gold-medal winner Jason Gardener, to look at the interface between sport, disability and faith.

Organised by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Glasgow and The Kairos Forum, a social enterprise within the University of Aberdeen, the innovative conference on July 17 will offer an insight into how sport tests the body, faith and spirit.

In addition to Jason Gardener, the event will hear from paralympian Frank Maguire and Special Olympian Leanne Peters, who will share their personal experiences.

The welcome address will be given by Archbishop Philip Tartaglia and there will also be presentations from leading theologians including Professor John Swinton from the University of Aberdeen, Gordon McCormack, head of Scottish Disability Sport, clergy and members of the Cornerstone Community, who will share tales of how sport has changed their lives.

Professor Swinton, a Professor in Practical Theology, Church of Scotland minister and registered nurse for people in the fields of mental health and learning disabilities, said the conference was an opportunity to celebrate the abilities of all.

“The Commonwealth Games will be a celebration of sporting achievement for Scotland and for people around the world,” he said. “Sport can bring people together and change lives and we look forward to hearing the personal stories of our elite athletes and members of the Cornerstone Community.

“The conference will focus on the gift of the person and the value of the body in sport, and how it can change our perceptions of the human body.”

The conference will be held in the Glasgow Parish of Blessed John Duns Scotus, Ballater Street and runs from 9.30am to 5pm on Thursday July 17.

For more information visit http://thekairosforum.com/content/celebrating-gift-sport

Comments

There are currently no comments on this post

Add a reply

All fields are required. Email address will not be published.