Supporters not commentators

Estadio Do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro

The FIFA world cup final will be played in Estadio Do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro. The stadium has a capacity of nearly 79,000. That’s a lot of football fans. Wimbledon Centre court capacity is 15,000 and whilst that is an awful lot smaller you’ve still got to ask how they fit 15,000 people into that area. The Commonwealth Games venues such as Hampden Park will have a seating capacity of 44,000, while the Emirates Indoor Arena can seat up to 7000.

This summer appears to be a feast for sports fans, so much to watch, but are we supporters or commentators?

While we all love to analysis a game or a race, examining the tactics, the competitor’s preparation and the mistakes they made, it’s pretty easy to comment afterwards. It’s much harder being in amongst the athletes actually competing, living and breathing each moment.

However there is a place for those who want to watch; those who are passionate about the sport and who feel they want to be part of it. They are not commentators, they are supporters. They are the 12^th man, the home support that changes the atmosphere, the noise that carries the runner home. They are genuine supporters. They make a difference, they bring “Home Advantage”.

In recent weeks we’ve become freshly and acutely aware of Glasgow City Mission’s supporters. We’ve got a great team of volunteers, a marvellous staff team and have some really positive partnerships which all help us serve those in most need. However we also have some wonderful supporters.

We need our supporters to continue to cheer us on, to call out, to clap and encourage – and we need you to pray!

We’ve recently seen what supporters can do through their prayers and noise from the side-lines when a decision that seemed irreversible regarding our Child and Family Centre was changed.

We need supporters who will continue to Pray and Participate in the work of Glasgow City Mission.

To seek out the Legacy we wish to see in Glasgow after the Commonwealth Games have been and gone, we’re hosting a prayer event Thursday 24thJuly 7.30pm at our main building in Crimea Street.

Don’t just be a commentator – be a supporter.