Champs and young athletes

I AM a track and field enthusiast. We are now in the Jamaican high school track and field season. Jamaica has one of the most globally respected junior competitive shows of athletic prowess in the form of the ISSA Boys’ and Girls’ Championships, or Champs as it is popularly called.

Two things struck me last year as I saw the talents of our teenagers on display. We saw two youngsters shining a little brighter than all the stars that shone that week. One was Alana Reid and the other Bouwahjgie Nkrumie. They were both faced with huge decisions. Do I go pro? Which sponsors do I sign to? Do I train in Jamaica or abroad? Then there is the question of how they will handle the fast wealth and popularity that soon will be theirs.

These are weighty decisions for young minds. Have you ever been in front of a roaring pack of fans where thousands are screaming your name? I certainly have never been in that situation. This can destroy most minds, how much more ones so young.

I got up one night and as I reflected on this, I prayed for them. They keep us entertained and they keep our country’s name on the international forefront. They are important entities in our society. Most persons in foreign lands do not know who the prime minister of Jamaica is, but they know who Usain Bolt is; they know who Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is; they know who Elaine Thompson-Herah is; they know who Shericka Jackson is. They represent us. What they do out there is important.

Some of them have solid families that can help to anchor them, but some don’t. Choosing a good coach is of utmost importance. Unfortunately, some coaches do not have the best intent.

Let us pray for our athletes.

1. Pray for their salvation and godliness in their lives.

2. Pray that they will not be swallowed up by the ravenous wolves. Some of these children are going out as teens and in their early 20s to represent us.

3. Pray that they will not be devoured by the negative aspects of global culture.

4. Pray that God will hide them from the predators who are waiting to steal their money, their sexuality and their minds.

5. Pray for balanced thinking at an early age.

6. Pray that God will preserve their bodies from injury.

7. Pray that they will represent their nation well.

8. And thank God for them; they are gifts to our nation.