Countdown to 2010 Faith and Sports Meet in Vancouver By Dwayne Buhler
Christian groups are prayerfully working together to offer “radical hospitality” at the Olympic Games. Along with
the hype, some are also calling attention
to problems of poverty and prostitution
The official 2010 Olympic ountdown clock, located at the corner of Georgia and Hornby streets, marks less
than six months until Vancouver and
Whistler will host the XXI Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. World-class
venues stand ready for competitions and
the athletes village is nearing comple-
tion. The battle lines drawn either for or
against the Games fade as the city braces
for the influx of an estimated 300,000
visitors. But is the Church ready?
Various metaphors can be used to describe the countdown clock. Some look
at it as a tourist attraction, a sentinel of
promise and a launching pad for great opportunities. Others see it as an alarm clock
drawing attention to unresolved problems
in the city. Both of these viewpoints reflect
attitudes in local churches and faith-based
organizations in Vancouver.
A Launching Pad for Opportunity
Many leaders of the faith community see
the Olympic Games as a once-in-a-life-time opportunity for the Church to come
