Let the Games Begin (Again)

Paris Part II began Wednesday with the Paralympic Games opening ceremony.

An estimated 300 million watched the over-the-top ceremony, which mirrored Paris Part I’s festivities, featuring a massive parade of athletes and elaborate performances (including 16 performers with disabilities). 

For the next nine days, 4,400 Para athletes will compete across 22 sports, including para-exclusive goalball (like soccer with hands for the visually impaired) and boccia (similar to bocce or lawn bowling). Uncle Sam is sending 225 athletes ranging in age from 15-52, hoping to knock China off their five-Paralympic winning streak. 

Over 2 million tickets to Paralympic events, now the third-largest sporting event in the world, have been sold. As the Paralympics grow, so have allegations of “classification doping”—athletes faking the severity of their disability to compete in an easier classification. 

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CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
The Paralympics offer an opportunity to experience camaraderie with fellow fans and to enjoy the thrill of watching athletes do what God created them to do. As you watch athletes compete, thank God that He also made you to do beautiful things, and pray that you’d bring Him glory in all you do. 

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.” 
Ephesians 2:10 (CSB) (read full passage)