Simply appalled
I was appalled by the spectacle of the brave Scots runner Callum Hawkins, lying on the pavement of the Sundale bridge with heatstroke, whilst the field ran on.
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My mind went back to devout Christian and Scotsman Eric Liddell, portrayed in the film Chariots of Fire, stopping to pick up a fallen runner in a 400-metre lead-up race, then running on to win that race and ultimately the gold medal at the Paris Olympics of 1924.
What about our own John Landy stopping to pick up a fallen runner - I think it was it Ron Clark – later a 10,000 metre world record holder and ironically Mayor of the Gold Coast City Council? Stopping didn't stop Landy later running on to be a world record holder medallist at Melbourne's 1956 Olympics and a true blue Aussie legend.
I am so upset by the debasement of every sport and endeavour becoming just a commercial brand and media opportunity to be exploited, but more so that this leads onto our core beliefs, spirit and society.
Eric Liddell went on to die of malnutrition as a Christian missionary in a Japanese internment camp in China, giving up his turn for liberation to others he felt more in need.
The great and gracious Australian athlete Betty Cuthbert, gold medallist in two Olympic games, followed her Christian beliefs as an MS sufferer and tireless helper to that cause. To be truly a legend in life or sport there is a decision to be made – love your fellow human beings, not the "gold" rewards it may bring; real gold not fools gold.
I am a member of the Uniting Church congregation. As a private citizen, I have booked the Narooma Leisure Centre, opposite NATA Oval, from 10.30am-noon on Sunday, April 22, to screen the video Chariots of Fire. You are invited to join me and discuss the issue. It is hoped a full screening at a later date will win public support.
Robert Dunn
South Narooma
Building community
What a great move by the Shedders, aka Narooma Men's Shed to add “Host an old bloke” to their already impressive program.
These Men's Shed fellas are to be mightily congratulated on their community building endeavours.
Not only do they make great gifts, keep old blokes off the streets, but it sounds like they party as well!
Go you blokes!
Meg Selman
Narooma
Woodies host Seniors Week BBQ
The Narooma Woodies held a BBQ at their Bodalla workshed to mark the 2018 Seniors Week.
The Woodies encourage members of the local community with an interest in woodwork to practise and improve their skills in general woodwork, toy making and wood turning.
Most of the members are retired, or close to retirement, and appreciated the chance to show their support for Seniors Week, while getting a good feed at the same time.
With cooks George Hogge and Sven Olsen manning the BBQ, the twenty members of the Woodies who were present enjoyed a hearty BBQ lunch followed by just a little cake. Eurobodalla Shire Council assisted the Woodies in putting on the BBQ as part of the Shire’s support of Seniors Week.
But once the BBQ was over it was back to work for the Woodies as they are busy making items for the Tilba Woodwork Show which is held every year on the June long weekend by the Combined Woodwork Clubs of the Far South Coast.