Pope praises sporting spirit in address to Special Olympics competitors
June 19, 2015
Pope Francis gave his encouragement to Italian competitors in the Special Olympics at an audience on June 19.
“It is beautiful and meaningful that young people and adults find in sport and participation in competitions, including at an international level, an incentive to live their life fully,” the Pope said. He observed that athletic competitions can be helpful to “opening oneself up, to coming out of oneself and getting involved.” At the same time, he said, the competition helps a participant “to discover your potential and to love life.”
“Please be faithful to this ideal of sport,” the Pope said. “Do not let yourself be contaminated by a false sporting culture, that of economic success, victory at any cost, and individualism.”
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
