This is a text-only version of an article first published on Wednesday, 30 March 2016. Information shown on this page may no longer be current.
Action from the World Track Cycling Championships at the Lee Valley Velodrome in March.
Jo Duckles.
How can chaplains and psychologists in sport provide a holistic service to athletes? Why do many premiership footballers cross themselves when they run on to the pitch, or point to the sky when they score a goal? Does religious belief impact upon psychological states, performance and athlete well-being? Should a Christian participate in, or watch, violent sports, such as, boxing or mixed-martial arts? What does the Bible have to say on sports and play?In order to address these questions, and many more, York St John University and Bible Society are collaborating in the development and delivery of the inaugural Global Congress on Sports and Christianity which takes place 24-28 August.
Corruption within FIFA and the doping scandal that plagues modern-day athletics are among the ethical dilemmas to be discussed.
A sport-themed public service will be held in York Minster, in which, ex-Premiership footballer (Portsmouth FC) and Founder of the charity, Faith in Football, Linvoy Primus MBE and ex-Paralympian, Anne-Wafula Strike MBE, will be interviewed. The Revd John Boyers, in his keynote address, will reflect on over 20 years' experience as the Chaplain of Manchester United Football Club, under Sir Alex Ferguson, and more recently, the Dutchman, Louis Van Gaal.
The Rt Revd Tony Porter, the recently commissioned "Sports Ambassador" for the Church of England, and ex-Manchester City Football Club chaplain, is also delivering a talk and is a member of the Bible Society Panel Event. The Rt.
Hon.
Lord Mawhinney said: "This Conference is an excellent way to bring together the various practitioners and disciplines of sport and Christianity. The emphasis on the integrity of its enquiry should ensure that the Conference's conclusions are taken seriously. "