The 2012 Paralympics (the world’s 3rd largest sporting event) takes place from Wednesday 29th August – Sunday 9th September. The Paralympics will offer opportunities for elite disabled sportsmen and women to use their gifts, experience community in teams, and use world-class accessible facilities. But the church has an even better offer – for all – of welcome, acceptance, love and using gifts in Christian community. We want to equip you and your church to seize the unique opportunity the Paralympics brings as an opportunity for mission. Check back to this page/post here for ideas and resources as we add them over the coming weeks. To find out more about the sports, the athletes, and even try out the game of Boccia on-line, follow this link to visit the Channel 4 Paralympics website. Ideas for mission, youth sessions and Sunday sermons will follow soon...

The world’s third largest sporting event – the Paralympics – is now only one year away from coming to the UK. The event will shine the spotlight on disabled people and give our churches an unprecedented opportunity to demonstrate God’s inclusive heart. The Paralympics will demonstrate that disabled men and women have God-given gifts to share. Through the Roof is planning to play its part by resourcing Christians and churches to more fully engage with disabled people’s gifts to enrich our communities. We have a few new things up our sleeve so to make sure you don’t miss out on them, why not become a friend on our Facebook page, contact us to receive our free Vital Link newsletter, and keep checking back to our website. Paralympic tickets go on sale on 9th September so why not make a booking to see the action. The day before, 8th September 2011, is International Paralympics Day, so why not use it to pray for our UK Paralympians, in particular those who have a Christian faith that they can be a blessing to those around them. (Photo by Flickr user 'Jonas in China' -- his photos from Paralympics ...