IMAGE: CNS photo/L’Osservatore Romano, handout
By Cindy Wooden
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The athletes of the Special Olympics
witness to the world the beauty and value of every human life and the joy that
comes from reaching a goal with the encouragement and support of others, Pope
Francis said.
“Together, athletes and helpers show us that there are
no obstacles or barriers which cannot be overcome,” the pope told
representatives of the Special Olympics World Winter Games, which will take
place in Austria March 14-25.
“You are a sign of hope for all who commit themselves
to a more inclusive society,” the pope told the group Feb. 16. “Every
life is precious, every person is a gift, and inclusion enriches every
community and society. This is your message for the world, for a world without
borders, which excludes no one.”
Pope Francis praised the passion and dedication of the
Special Olympians as they train for their events, and said sports are good for
everyone, physically and mentally.
“The constant training, which also requires effort and
sacrifice, helps you to grow in patience and perseverance, gives you strength
and courage and lets you acquire and develop talents which would otherwise
remain hidden,” the pope told the athletes.
“In a way,” he said, “at the heart of all
sporting activity is joy: the joy of exercising, of being together, of being
alive and rejoicing in the gifts the Creator gives us each day. Seeing the
smile on your faces and the great happiness in your eyes when you have done
well in an event — for the sweetest victory is when we surpass ourselves — we
realize what true and well-deserved joy feels like!”
Watching the Special Olympians, he said, everyone should
learn “to enjoy small and simple pleasures, and to enjoy them together.”
Sporting events, especially international events like the
Special Olympics World Winter Games, help “spread a culture of encounter
and solidarity,” the pope said, wishing the athletes “joyful days
together and time with friends from around the world.”
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