Finishing the Race

A boy who finishes last in a race learns a valuable lesson from the Olympics, that the glory is not in winning but finishing.

Message:     A boy who finishes last in a race learns a valuable lesson from the Olympics, that the glory is not in winning, but finishing.

Bible Reference: 2 Timothy 4:7

Cast:  2, father and son

Set:   none

Costume:  boy is in track suit

Props:   ice pack and elastic bandage

Lighting & Sound:  standard

Time:        4

Script

The Son limps in and sits, nursing his knee. Father enters with an ice pack and begins to attach it to Son’s knee with an elastic bandage.

Father: This ought to help.

There is a short pause, while Father begins to wrap the knee.

Father:  You know, I’m really proud of what you did today.

Son:  You’re proud that I came in dead last?

Father:  No.  I’m proud that you finished the race after you got hurt.

Son:  And came in dead last.

Father:  Listen, I know that as far the race is concerned, and the points your team earns, last doesn’t help at all.  But, the fact that you finished the race means everything to me.

Son:   Whatever.

Father: Have you ever heard of a man named John Stephen Akhwari?

Son:  No, is he a loser, too?

Father:  No, he’s definitely not a loser, but he did come in last place.

Son:  Figures…

Father:  Will you stop feeling sorry for yourself for just two minutes and listen to me, please?

Son:   Yes, sir.

Father:  Back in 1968, the Summer Olympics were being held in Mexico City.  In the marathon, the Ethiopian runner Mamo Walde had already won the Gold Medal.  The runner that came in second was on the verge of collapsing when he finished.  The rest of the field came in in varying times, and nearly all of them had to be assisted to aid stations.  But, the marathon was far from over.  More than hour passed, and it was getting dark. Thousands of spectators were filing out of the stadium to attend other events.  In the distance they could hear police sirens and whistles drawing closer and getting louder.  The flashing lights were lighting up one of the stadium gates, and it drew the crowd’s attention.

Son:   What happened?

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