Thought For The Day – Wednesday 11th January 2023
Love, Love and Love, Forever
Over the holidays, an iconic global sporting figure passed away. Edson Arantes do Nascimento, or Pelé, was someone who transcended (went beyond or above) their sport, men’s football, and even sport itself
In his country of Brazil, The Statue of Christ The Redeemer, in Rio de Janeiro, was lit up in gold and green in tribute to Pelé, who always thanked and praised God.
Pelé, along with Muhammad Ali, was a black person who became an iconic, inspirational and impactful global leader of integrity at a time where there was much racism, prejudice and discrimination.
Our stand against racism and all prejudice and discrimination continues today and every day.
On and off the field, Pelé, wearing the gold and green, added colour to people’s lives in so many ways. Pelé made sport beautiful, from the sportspersonship demonstrated in swapping shirts, with a warm smile, with England captain Bobby Moore after a classic men’s football world cup match in 1970, to the over one thousand goals and numerous passes and moments of ingenuity, imagination, teamwork and skill.
Pelé, who grew up in poverty, wanted to make his parents proud. When Uruguay won the 1950 men’s football world cup, defeating the host country Brazil in the final, Pelé’s father cried. “Don’t worry Papi. I’m going to win the world up for you”, said Pelé, aged nine. Eight years later Pelé fulfilled his aspiration and promise. His mother, now aged one hundred, is still alive today.
Upon the event of his death, his family shared one last photograph and the following message:
“Inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pele, who peacefully passed away today. On his journey, Edson enchanted the world with his genius in sport, stopped a war, carried out social works all over the world and spread what he most believed to be the cure for all our problems: love. His message today becomes a legacy for future generations. “Love, love and love, forever.“