Pope on Sports Medicine: The dangers of winning at all costs





September 27, 2012. (Romereports.com) Rome is being called the world capital of sports medicine, even if it's only for a few days. Experts from 107 countries have gathered here for the International Federation of Sports Medicine meeting.

Benedict XVI welcomed the group in Castel Gandolfo, where he emphasized that moral principles are also needed in sports. He explained that abusing medicine in sports can have dangerous consequences.

BENEDICT XVI
“It has even happened from time to time that winning at all costs has replaced the true spirit of sports and has led to the abuse and misuse of modern medicine.”

The Pope also talked about how sports have the unique power of uniting people, while enriching  the human spirit.

BENEDICT XVI
“Just as sport is more than just competition, each sportsman and woman is more than a mere competitor: they are possessed of a moral and spiritual capacity which ought to be enriched and deepened by sports and sports medicine. Sometimes, however, success, fame, medals and the pursuit of money become the primary, or even sole, motive for those involved.”

The Pope went on to say that St. Paul would encourage early Christians,  by telling them to embrace the spirit and determination found in sports.

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