Free Online Resource Connects Olympics and Faith

Film Showcases Olympians' Stories of Struggle and Triumph

XENIA, Ohio, June 4, 2012—As the world's best athletes prepare for the Summer Olympics in London, ministries are looking for ways to connect sports with a positive message of faith and hope. International sports ministry Athletes in Action wants to help, through a film showcasing Olympians' stories of struggle, faith and triumph.

Available free for online streaming in 34 languages, Struggle and Triumph is a 26-minute film featuring current and past Olympic athletes, including:

• Allyson Felix (United States), 2008 Olympic gold medalist (4X400m), two-time Olympic silver medalist (2004, 2008 in the 200m) three-time 200m World Champion, and 2012 Olympic contender

• Candra Wijaya (Indonesia), 2000 Badminton Olympic gold medalist

• Catherine Ndereba (Kenya), world-class female marathoner and two-time Olympic silver medalist (2004 & 2008)

• Dieudonne Disi (Rwanda), world-class half-marathoner and 2004 Olympian

• Hendrawan (Indonesia), 2000 Badminton Olympic silver medalist

• Julian Bolling (Sri Lanka), three-time Olympic swimmer

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.

Struggle and Triumph is also available in 36 languages on a single DVD for organizations to use in conjunction with the Olympics both in the U.S. and around the world. To purchase copies of Struggle and Triumph, visit www.aiagear.com or call 888.244.9159. For special 501c3 pricing for 50 or more copies, please contact Shawn.Keith@athletesinaction.org for more information.  

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Tags: Athletes in Action, Olympics, Allyson Felix, Candra Wijaya, Catherine Ndereba, Dieudonne Disi, Hendrawan, Julian Bolling, Struggle and Triumph, DVD, outreach tool, evangelism, sports, London

Quotes

Baron Pierre de Coubertin, father of the modern Olympic games

• "The important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have won, but to have fought well."

Allyson Felix (USA), 2008 Olympic gold medalist, 2004, 2008 Olympic silver

• "My faith really plays a part. I'm able to look at the bigger picture and know that God has a plan for my life and this is also a part of it. My speed is a gift from God, and I run for His glory."

Hendrawan (Indonesia), 2000 Badminton Olympic silver medalist

• "I believe that career and fame will end . . . 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."

Julian Bolling (Sri Lanka), three-time Olympic swimmer

• "We can talk about achievements in terms of success, but I (like) that the Olympic motto says the struggle is more important than the victory."

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