Sunday, 5th February 2012

 

At the end of January this year, John Boyers visited Delhi where the 2010 Commonwealth Games will take place in October.

Those responsible for the Athletes' Village, it's facilities and services had asked John to explain how he had headed up Chaplaincy for the 2002 Manchester Games, what he'd done to help ATHOC, the organising group for the 2004 Athens Olympics and Paralympics, with their chaplaincy planning, and what he'd advise for Delhi.

John said " It was a very long way to go for a 3 day visit, and 2 main meetings with the CG 2010 organisers - but it was worth it. They have been hugely appreciative of the material and the comments I shared. I can report that there will be chaplaincy at the 2010 Delhi Games. It will be a multi-faith team to serve the various faith communities attending the Games, and it will be staffed by local, national and international sports chaplains who are trained and experienced in this field of work."

John was helped by Xavier Bharath, an Indian national from Chennai, who was part of the chaplaincy team for the Berlin world athletics finals in the summer of 2009. John believes his experience and involvement will be important for the Delhi Games. John also appreciated the great practical help Xavier and other contacts offered. "Their help was vital for me, and for the positive outcomes for the trip," said John.

"I left Manchester on a sunday morning, and arrived back 4 days later, on a thursday evening, thrilled about the result in Delhi, and indeed the result at Old Trafford the night before! Sadly I missed that 3-1 League Cup semi-final win over City, but TV in India was quick to report United's success. Let's pray that Chaplaincy at the Delhi CG will be a success in the autumn!"

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