Pastor to release Olympic-inspired book (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Croydon pastor inspired by Olympic spirit

10:20am Friday 22nd June 2012 in London Olympics 2012 - Latest News By Andrew Bloss

A church pastor is hoping to invoke more than just Olympic spirit with the release of his new book.

Richard Daly, 42, the pastor of Seventh Day Adventist Church in Selhurst, has written a book called The Christian Race.

The former athlete has been to the last three Olympic Games and spoke to a variety of Olympians including British duo Christine Ohuruogu and Phillips Idowu.

Mr Daly wants the book to act as a comparison between Olympic life and peoples spiritual lives.

He said: "It is about looking at parallels of the spirit invoked in the Olympics and real life. I want to analyse things from a Christian perspective, how to keep going in life.

"I want to compare what athletes do, such as training and the hard work they have to put in to the role of Christians and the work they do.

"I have talked to various athletes to find out what has inspired them to get where they are today."

Mr Daly also is going to be a chaplain at the London Olympic games, a role he is looking forward to doing.

"London will be the first time I have been a chaplain. It is a role I am excited about, having been an athlete myself when I was younger.

"It will be about giving a listening ear and being available to speak to people."

The Christian Race, is available from the ABC Bookshop, phone 01923893461.