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By Peter Biggs
 | | David Wells is seen in 2006, at the Turin Olympics |
DAVID WELLS occupies a unique role in the upcoming Olympics. As general superintendent of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada and chair of the board for the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, he is known as a national leader with many responsibilities.
But he wears another hat: that of the official overseer for the chaplaincy program sponsored by VANOC (Vancouver Organizing Committee). This is the fifth Olympics he has been involved with.
CC.com caught up with a busy Wells in Ontario, and asked him about his participation in the upcoming games.
CC.com: When did VANOC approach you?
David Wells: I began discussions after Athens 2004. It started as me being a volunteer kind of consultant. That, in turn, led to talking about programs, around the time of Beijing.
With a multifaith centre planned, and inclusion of the five major faith groups, I served on the Interfaith Working Group - where I also served as the coordinator for Christian chaplaincy.
CC.com: What will you be overseeing?
DW: Of all the chaplains, 70 percent are Christians, with 30 percent representing the other faith groups. There are 29 Christian accredited chaplains. With a multifaith centre in each of the two athletes' villages, there will be daily services.
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CC.com: Why are there so many more Christian chaplains?
DW: It simply represents the demographic of the athletes' stated faith; there will be over 5,000 athletes, team members and officials.
CC.com: Can you describe what chaplaincy involves ?
DW: Each centre in the villages has a reception area, a private room for counselling and two rooms for meetings. Daily services will include a Roman Catholic mass, and two more informal Christian services. There is a team of chaplains in two shifts.
More than once, I have been involved in bereavement for the loss of an athlete's family member, while at the games. We are also there to encourage the athletes in facing disappointment -- perhaps in the form of training injuries happening, after so much personal sacrifice and work. Others, including volunteers, can face significant issues with overload and stress.
Chaplains are also able to be invited back to athletes' residences for private counselling sessions.
CC.com: You are also overseeing Community Chaplaincy for More Than Gold, outside the village?
DW: Yes. Greg Laing, Dwayne Buhler and Carole Gerber, all trained professionals, are heading up teams of trained community chaplains - often full-time chaplains or pastors. There are around 30 to 40 of them. Billy Graham Evangelistic Association has also trained a number of 'Rapid Response' people, that in the event of need can be mobilized. They will serve in three zones throughout the days of the games.
CC.com: How can Christians pray for chaplains?
DW: Thank you, prayer is important. Pray for ongoing sensitivity spiritually, and for ongoing strength in what will be a demanding timetable.
January 27/2010
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