It is the first time that the Vatican publishes a document on sport and religion. Its title is “Giving the Best of Yourself”.
It highlights sport's positive aspects, but also warns against its dark ones, such as doping, unsporting behavior, betting and bribes.
Pope Francis has written a message for the occasion. In it he remembers that sport can serve as an example for everyday life, and that it unites different types of people, to achieve common goals without distinguishing them by race, sex or ideology.
ANTONELLA STELITANO
Società Sportiva di Storia dello Sport
“Pope Francis uses many sports metaphors, when he says to young people: 'Do not settle for a draw', he is asking them to give their best, but this is not something that only works on the football field, because one can give the best of himself also in his daily life”.
They have spent four years preparing this document. It is divided into five chapters and has involved famous athletes, but they will not be named as to preserve their privacy.
It is not a document for scholars. It aims to explain in a simple way how you can take the example of sport's values from the Christian point of view.
ANTONELLA STELITANO
Società Sportiva di Storia dello Sport
“The world of sport 'lives' sport as a way to improve yourself, or to make and break records: I train myself, I get tired, I learn a sense of responsibility, I learn what is the spirit of sacrifice, an effort, but I also learn to be with others”.
SANTIAGO PÉREZ DE CAMINO
Dicastery for the Laity, the Family and Life
“After reading the document, people can take many initiatives, many ideas that can also help them daily: how do I deal with sports in my day to day? How can I improve my relationship with others?”
'Giving the best of yourself' is a text that can serve as inspiration and motivation for athletes and non-athletes. It is because, as Pope Francis says, one should not settle for the 'tie', but should always be in the game in life as in sport.
