School, sports, and work are the 3 educational roads for youth, says Pope
June 09, 2014
Tens of thousands of young athletes gathered in the Via della Conciliazione on June 7 to play basketball, volleyball, and soccer before listening to an address by Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square.
The gathering marked the 70th anniversary of the formation of the Centro Sportivo Italiano, founded in 1944 under the influence of Catholic Action.
Pope Francis told the young athletes and their coaches that school, sports, and work are the three educational roads for youth. “If you have these three roads, I can assure you that there will be no dependencies: no drugs, no alcohol,” the Pope said.
The Pope challenged the athletes to “get involved” with God and others, giving their best rather than settling for mediocrity. Through sports, he added, players learn the value of acceptance, commitment to the point of fatigue, and team play rather than individualism.
“Sports in the community can be a great missionary tool, where the Church is close to every person to help you become better and to encounter Jesus Christ,” he added.
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