Ugandan athletes arrived aboard a boat in the floating parade on the river Seine in northern France, during the opening ceremony on July 26, 2024. Photo: Reuters
In a bid to spread the Word of God, the French Bible Society (FBS) has announced plans of freely distributing Bibles at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, taking place from 26 July to 11 August 2024, with 10,500 athletes competing in 329 events.
According to sources, no fewer than 15.3 million visitors are expected to flock to the capital for the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games!
The French Bible Society, which is a member of the United Bible Societies, told media reporters they will distribute 200,000 special editions of the New Testament—140,000 in French and 60,000 in English.
FBS hopes that the New Testatements will leave “a lasting legacy that extends far beyond the athletic arenas”. The special edition, named “More Precious than Gold,” is inspired by 1 Peter 1:7, to emphasise “the enduring and tested nature of faith.”
Christian Today reports that the edition also features testimonies from Christian athletes such as French handball champion Joël Abati and Australian high jumper Nicola Olyslagers. The FBS was quoted as saying the personal stories highlight the profound impact of faith in the lives of athletes competing at the highest levels of sport.
“It is so inspiring to read the athletes’ testimonies featured in this special edition of the New Testament,” General Secretary of the French Bible Society, Mr Jonathan Boulet told media.
“These accounts serve as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact the Bible continues to have in our contemporary world. Moreover, they underscore the vital role that each country’s Bible Society plays in ensuring the accessibility and relevance of this timeless book for all,” he added.
Meanwhile, The Council of Christian Churches in France called for a collective prayer for Paris 2024, inviting Christians worldwide to seek divine guidance and blessings for the Olympic Games.
Their official “Prayer for Paris 2024 Olympic Games” encapsulates the spirit of the event: “May this event be organised in joy, peace, and fellowship. Pour out your Holy Spirit on all those working towards the Paris Games, on all the people coming from the four corners of the earth, and on the athletes.”
