Quote

Inclusion elevates all.
Elaine Hall

Real Life

Park Run was an initiative begun by a group of friends in the UK in 2004 with the principles of weekly, free, 5k, for everyone, forever.

Each participant competes only against themselves with everyone cheered irrespective of where they are in the field. The story of one reluctant runner beautifully illustrates the ethos of this organisation.

Nicola Doward had no desire to come along to the park run due to her morbid obesity and very low level of fitness. Doward weighed 190kgs and felt that any form of fitness was an impossibility. Her family repeatedly encouraged her to try the Parkrun, assuring her she would be included and not judged. One day she plucked up the courage to take part and was amazed at the support and inclusivity. She received encouragement throughout the hour and a half it took her to complete the course. When she crossed the finishing line to big cheers Doward was overwhelmed. She never dreamed she would be supported or celebrated by any kind of sporting community.

Often in sport, the fastest, strongest and most impressive gets more attention, more glory and sometimes even better treatment. In the same way, it can be that those who do not succeed who are looked down on and thought less of. The bible says that we shouldn’t show favouritism to anyone – not the rich, not the important, not the finely dressed. It says to do so is evil (James 2:4). The ethos of ParkRun to value and support every participant enabled Doward to keep taking part which led to positive change in her life. In sport and in life it is good to acknowledge talent and skill, but the presence or absence of it shouldn’t impact how much we value someone. In fact, valuing an individual will often enhance their ability to succeed.

Bible Verse

If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
James 2:3-4

Prayer
Lord thank You for the gift that encouragement and acceptance can be. Help me to be sensitive to the situations I am in and respond to others in the way they need me to.

Author: Sarah Auld   |   Content Editor: Phil Pawley