The XVII

Commonwealth Games

 Manchester

25th July - 4th August, 2002

 A Chaplain’s Experience 

As the Commonwealth Games drew to a close the message was coming though loud and clear that they had been the best ever - high praise coming often from the very doubters who had been convinced that Manchester could not deliver! Even the ran that arrived or the second week and came in torrents failed to change the course of a highly successful experience and one which we now hope will give the impetus to bid for the 2012 Olympic Games.

One hugely praised contribution in Manchester was the role played by thousands of volunteers who brought that truly northern spirit of welcome and they smiled throughout the whole experience. Among the volunteers was a team of 40 Chaplains, co-ordinated by SCORE, the Sport’s Chaplaincy charity. Headed by full time sport’s chaplain, the Rev’d John Boyers, we were a multi-faith team divided into four teams. One team spent the Games ministering inside the Athlete’s Village, offering worship, support, counselling and worked off their feet!  Another team was dedicated to the Venues ensuring that chaplains could always be called upon during each and every activity. The third team concentrated on ministry in Manchester city centre, making contact with the thousands of visitors in the hotels and public places.

I was asked to lead the fourth team, the Sportcity Chaplaincy. We were based in a Roman Catholic centre about 400 yards from the City of Manchester Stadium. Our team of eight included Arnold, a Jewish Rabbi; Piatissa, a Buddhist priest; Ajit, a Hindu; Nigel & Sue, two Salvation Army Officers from Crewe; Lesley, a curate from Eccles; Sue, a Lay Chaplain from Trafford Infirmary and myself. Throughout the Games we offered a chaplaincy presence from early morning to last thing at night. The centre, meanwhile, provided a rota of ladies providing the ever-flowing tea & coffee for both the team and those who visited.  As chaplains we spent most of the period walking  around the stadium area and talking  to everyone we met. Never once did we receive other than warm appreciation - quite remarkable!  The police were especially appreciative as they stood for long hours providing a round the clock security cordon. They were bored out of their minds and so delighted to engage in conversation!

We frequently encouraged the security personnel, many of who were working back to back to back to back 15-hour shifts and in need of support. We greeted the many visitors as they arrived and made ourselves as useful as possible.  This was not evangelism but a ministry of spiritual presence which we hoped helped to contribute to the success and safety of the Games.  I found the experience of standing with a Rabbi one shift and a Buddhist priest the next to be a powerful witness of faith. I learned much myself from the experience.  

The buzz:   It was, of course, a real privilege to be so close to something so special. Only twice did I see events, buying tickets for one morning of athletics (and getting sun burnt!) and then for a session at the Men’s Hockey tournament (where, in contrast, I was soaked to the skin!). Otherwise we were just behind the scenes but close enough to feel the atmosphere.  We enjoyed a most lovely smile from her Majesty the Queen, as she passed our Chaplaincy on the way to open the Games and had the best view of all of the Red Arrows overhead.  Sometimes we could see one of the giant screens inside the stadium and we felt the thrill as the crowd cheered the athletes round the track with the temporary stand vibrating as they passed by that corner. During the Closing Ceremony, when it really did rain, the rabbi and myself were there, soaked but happy. We met many of those taking part, talking with some of the Morris Minor drivers and with the soaked children as they came out from their very moving lantern message for PEACE. Soaked, yes they were, but they were bubbling over with excitement. They knew they had taken part in something very very special.  We also had the opportunity to meet some of the athletes too and specially to share a little conversation with the Team from Tanzania, an opportunity to flaunt my very limited Swahili repertoire!  Then there were those wonderful Faith symbols which were so dramatic during the Closing event.  Giants lanterns in the shape of Temples and Mosques, Synagogues and Cathedrals. Everything we had been  doing in practice was illustrated by a moving pageant of world (or Commonwealth) Faith.

It was a great thrill to be in Manchester and I thank my congregation for allowing me to go and for upholding me during the Games.  As a Team, we achieved much and received many thanks. We had numerous casual conversations and some very significant ones too. We thank the Lord for the privilege.