With six-months to go before the Opening Ceremony of the XXX Olympiad, bishops from
the three London dioceses have visited the Olympic Park to see how 504 acres of previously
toxic wasteland in the East End of London has been transformed into a place of new
life and immense beauty.
At the invitation of Mgr John Armitage, chair of the
Catholic 2012 Committee and Catholic trustee on the board of Christian Olympic charity
More Than Gold, and James Parker, Catholic executive coordinator for the Games and
chair of More Than Gold’s denominational work, Archbishop Vincent Nichols and Bishop
John Arnold of Westminster, Bishops Pat Lynch and Paul Hendricks of Southwark, Bishop
Thomas McMahon of Brentwood and Bishop Richard Moth of the Forces joined local head
teachers and members of the board of the John Paul II Foundation for Sport for an
informative and in depth visit of the entire Olympic Park initiative.
The
Catholic Church is, for the first time in history, engaging at the heart of the Olympic
and Paralympic Games, especially through its involvement with the Christian charity
More Than Gold. Local East London Catholic churches were strongly behind the bid to
transform the toxic 504 acre wasteland into usable land that would serve locals, London
as a whole and the nations of the world. The Catholic Bishops' Conference has been
committed to this venture for the past three years and this visit gave London's Catholic
bishops and significant others the opportunity to mark the significant progress made
by the ODA and LOCOG.
Speaking about the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Archbishop
Vincent Nichols said: “The Olympic and Paralympic Games are a moment of great
opportunity for us all. These great sporting events generate all sorts of good ideas
and initiatives, particularly for young people, reminding all of us of the importance
of good health, the dignity of our bodies, the care of our physical well-being and
its spiritual meaning.
“The example of many who are dedicated to training routines
in preparation for these Games remind us of the need for good habits and routines
in our own daily lives if we are to make the most of our God-given talents.”
James
Parker said of the visit: “This is the sixth time I have had the opportunity to
visit the Olympic Park. What astounds me on every occasion is the quantity and quality
of the work being accomplished not only to serve the Games but as a lasting legacy
for the people of East London and the nation as a whole. Never before have so many
first-rate business and sporting facilities, landscaped parkland and new housing for
thousands of people become available in such a short space of time. The Olympic Park
is fast becoming the new "must see" tourist attraction of our nation."
Tracey
McClure spoke to James Parker about the bishops’ visit and some of the challenges
and opportunities the games will pose for the Church. Listen: