Recently Narooma resident Robert Dunn wrote that he was appalled by the spectacle of the brave Scots runner Callum Hawkins, lying on the pavement of the Sundale bridge with heatstroke whilst the field ran on. His mind went back to devout Christian and Scotsman Eric Liddell portrayed in the film Chariots of Fire stopping to pick up a fallen runner in a 400 metre lead up race then running on to win that race and ultimately the Gold medal at the Paris Olympics 1924 .
"I am so upset by the debasement of every sport and endeavour becoming just a commercial brand and media opportunity to be exploited but more so this leads onto our core beliefs ,spirit and society.
"Eric Liddell went on to die of malnuitrition as a Christian Missionary in a Japanese internment camp in China giving up his turn for liberation to others he felt more in need.The great Australian athlete great and gracious Betty Cuthbert, gold medallist in two Olympic games followed her Christian beliefs as an MS sufferer and tireless helper to that cause." As a member of the of the Uniting Church Congregation Narooma and in his private capacity he organised to book the Narooma Leisure Centre opposite NATA oval from on Sunday 22nd April to show a video recording of Chariots of Fire and inviting the community to join him and speak on the issue. With the success of the event he has now been able to scheduled a cinema showing of the film on Sunday, May 6th, in the small theatre. Donations of $5 per head at the door, will be donated to the Bega Valley Shire Mayor's fund for the victims of the Tathra fire.
