Page 6 - royal-times-15-16

A Reflection

One of the ways in which the Royal school has been
making a name for itself in recent years is on the sports
field - In football, hockey, basketball and cross-country
but especially in badminton and table tennis where we
can boast a succession of Ulster champions. But apart
from building up the reputation of the school, sport is
beneficial to all involved. On a personal level, it can help
make us healthier- a sound mind in a sound body, as
the Roman poet Juvenal put it- To build up friendships
and learn the value of discipline and teamwork, all of
which will stand us in good stead in the years ahead.

A number of very public spirited people have been
working hard to build a sports hall for the school and
what a great blessing it wold be in a whole host of ways. St. Paul, in one of his letters, compares
physical exercise to spiritual discipline when he says “Everyone who competes in the games
goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last but we do it to get a crown
that will last forever.”

And of course this year is an Olympiad and we look forward to the games which will be held in
Rio de Janeiro this August. Two-hundred and six countries will take part including two for the
first time, Kosovo and South Sudan both of which have only recently emerged from bloody
civil wars. At a very tense time in world relationships following the events of Paris and Brussels
we hope and pray that the Olympic spirit may promote peace and understanding, respect and
friendship between nations.

And in our own personal struggles and private battles we draw strength from the ideals of
the Olympic games, “The most important thing is not to win but to take part”, just as the most
important thing in life is not to triumph but to struggle. The essential thing is not to have
conquered but to have fought well.

Canon Mark Lidwill

School Chaplain

6 The Royal Times 2015-2016