WA Stars to celebrate sport with Perth Christians
Cricket’s Justin Langer, Eagles’ footballer Nic Naitanui, and Wildcats’ basketball player Shawn Redhage and managing director Nick Marvin will join Christians from across churches in Perth for the second joint celebration of sport to take place tomorrow from 2.45pm in St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral in Victoria Square.
The service will contain dance, readings and reflections, plus both old and contemporary songs.
Internationally renowned Perth natives, the How Ridiculous guys, will speak about life as a global hit on YouTube and their passion for advocating against children in poverty with Compassion Australia.
The event’s main speaker will be Justin Langer, who is presently upheld for turning around WA’s cricket team, the Western Warriors. Langer has recently spoken about the importance of earning respect, believing in yourself, and what it means to live life with no regrets. He espouses five pillars for success in life: hard work; speak honestly with each other; celebrate success; respect the past; and earn respect back.
One of the key organisers, Reverend Alison Gilchrist, leader of Church on the Rise, Bassendean and also a sports chaplain, is excited about this second celebration:
“Many sports professionals speak of their faith being the most important part of who they are. Their belief in God is the basis of their identity and brings meaning to their lives. It is this and not their performance or any material reward that spurs them on.
“Many non-professionals, whether playing or watching, see in sport a channel to bring to life values and virtues that help us all to understand daily experiences of sacrifice, courage and even suffering. This celebration offers everyone with a passion for sport in Western Australia the opportunity to reflect and to give thanks for the gift that sport is on so many different levels.”
Also in attendance will be heads of many of Perth’s churches along with Whitford primary school pupil Nate Anderson, 5, who will speak about his fortnight in WA’s news headlines and the challenge before him and his mates to raise $15,000 towards a prosthetic running leg.
The service will immediately be followed by a healthy afternoon tea where simple show bags will be distributed courtesy of sponsors.
-ENDS-
Notes to Editors:
1. All Media queries to James Parker (0477 365618)
2. Photography and videography are both possible inside the cathedral and outside where drag cars are expected to be on display alongside cheerleaders who will welcome those attending.
3. Celebration organisers, Christians Together in Sport, are an informal group of Christians made up from various churches across Western Australia. The group is made up of sportswomen and men, those involved in chaplaincy work, education, church leadership and media who love working and serving together as a winning team.