Glasgow: Church sets pace with innovative sport and faith conference

Pope Francis sent his good wishes and prayers to athletes and theologians gathering at a conference in Glasgow on the eve of the Commonwealth Games. The "Celebrating the Gift in Sport" conference took place today, Thursday 17 July at Blessed John Duns Scotus church hall in the Gorbals, Glasgow.

Hosted by the Archdiocese of Glasgow, Celebrating the Gift in Sport explored how sport and faith can combine to champion the gifts of each person - especially people with disabilities - while promoting values of solidarity and respect.

It was opened by the Archbishop of Glasgow, Philip Tartaglia, who said: "With his message for our Conference, Pope Francis has shown himself close to all athletes and to everyone who enjoys sport as a means of celebrating the sheer joy of the gift of life and of promoting the dignity and potential of the human person."

The Archbishop added: "The Glasgow Commonwealth Games is an ideal opportunity for us to celebrate that gift and proclaim the dignity, respect and purpose that God bestows on all people, no matter their ability or nationality."

Dr Mabel Aghadiuno, who lives in the Archdiocese of Southwark, in the Focolare house in Clapham, co-chaired the day. Bishop Paul Hendricks was among the guests.

Speakers at the conference included 2004 Olympic sprint relay champion Jason Gardener, Special Olympian Leanne Peter, paralympian Frank McGuire, former British Taekwondo champion-turned broadcaster John Cullen, Gordon McCormack chair of Scottish Disability Sport, and Professor John Swinton and Christina Gangemi of the Kairos Forum at the University of Aberdeen.

Members of the Cornerstone Community described how sport has changed their life, building up their confidence and providing opportunities to influence wider society.