New DVD Connects Olympics and Faith

Olympians Share Personal Stories of Struggle and Triumph

XENIA, Ohio, May 9, 2008—As the world's best athletes prepare for the Summer Olympics in Beijing, organizations everywhere are also preparing-looking for ways to connect sports with a positive message of faith and hope. 

International sports ministry Athletes in Action has just released Struggle and Triumph, a 26-minute film featuring current and past Olympic athletes, including:

• Catherine Ndereba (Kenya), female marathoner and 2004 Olympic silver medalist
• Allyson Felix (United States), three-time USA Outdoor 200m champion and 2004 Olympic silver medalist
• Hendrawan (Indonesia), 2000 Badminton Olympic silver medalist
• Candra Wijaya (Indonesia), 2000 Badminton Olympic gold medalist
• Julian Bolling (Sri Lanka), three-time Olympic swimmer
• Dieudonne Disi (Rwanda), world-class marathoner and 2004 Olympian

Representing the highest in personal achievement, these athletes share not only a passion for sport, but also a passion from which they are able to draw strength for competition-and for life.

"I believe that career and fame will end some day," said Hedrawan.  "Just like an old river my popularity will automatically dry up.  Jesus taught that there are more important things in this life, that there is eternal life.  That is what I was looking for-not fame as a badminton player or popularity.  Because I know Jesus Christ, I am certain that I have found eternal life."

Struggle and Triumph is available in 36 languages on a single DVD for organizations to use in conjunction with the Olympics both in the United States and around the world.  A special version of Struggle and Triumph has been approved by the Chinese government, and is available in Mandarin and English.  This is the version that should be used when someone wants to view or share the DVD in China.

To purchase a copy of Struggle and Triumph, visit www.aiagear.com or call (888) 244-9159.  For information about the Chinese version of Struggle and Triumph, email readytorace@mailcan.com.

Athletes in Action works with athletes and coaches to use the unique platform of sport to help people around the world with questions of faith. For more information about Athletes in Action, visit www.AIA.com.

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