My Own Practice of Sports and Spirituality

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I weigh 198 lbs and I will be 48 years old on November 6. In the international Judo language that means I am an M4 under 90 kgs veteran fighter. On my birthday, November 6, I will be competing in the Judo veterans world championship in Las Vegas, NV. Over the next few months, I will share videos of my journey of physical, mental and spiritual preparation.

Under the PlayersPrayers brand, I have interviewed football stars and boxers since 2003. Recently the focus has been more on MMA. All that is gonna stay the same. Videos of my own practice of sports and spirituality will be in YouTube shorts for now. Please join me on my journey to fighting in Vegas:

Exciting Sporting Events and Spiritual Celebrations in June 2024

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Sporting Events to Watch

1. US Olympic Trials

The United States Olympic Trials are in full swing, as athletes from various disciplines compete for a coveted spot on Team USA. Here are some key events to keep an eye on:

  • Gymnastics Trials (June 27-30): Witness the incredible talent of gymnasts like Simone Biles and Sunisa Lee as they vie for a spot on the Olympic team.
  • Track and Field Trials (June 21-30): Sprinters, jumpers, and throwers will battle it out in Eugene, Oregon, aiming to represent their country in Tokyo.
  • Swimming Trials (June 15-23): Swimmers will make waves in Indianapolis, with Olympic dreams on the line.
  • Diving Trials (June 17-23): Divers will take the plunge in Knoxville, Tennessee, showcasing their precision and grace.

2. 2024 French Open

Tennis enthusiasts are glued to the clay courts of Roland-Garros. Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer are among the stars competing for Grand Slam glory. The tournament concludes on June 8, just ahead of the Summer Olympics.

3. 2024 European Athletics Championships

Rome, Italy, hosts the European Athletics Championships from June 7 to 12. The historic Stadio Olimpico will witness thrilling performances by athletes like Marcell Jacobs and Katarina Johnson-Thompson.

Spiritual Observances

1. World Environment Day (June 5)

On this day, let’s reflect on our planet’s beauty and fragility. Take action to protect our environment and promote sustainability.

2. Feast of Corpus Christi (June 8)

Christian communities celebrate the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. It’s a time for reverence and gratitude.

3. Hijri New Year (July 7)*

The Islamic calendar begins anew with the Hijri New Year. Muslims worldwide mark this occasion with prayers and reflection.

4. Asalha Puja (July 21)

Buddhists observe Asalha Puja, which commemorates Buddha’s first sermon. Monks enter a three-month retreat during this period.

Feel free to share this blog post with fellow sports enthusiasts and those seeking spiritual inspiration. Let’s embrace the joy of competition and the wisdom of ancient traditions! 🌟🏆🙏

May 2024: A Month of Sports and Spirituality

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Sporting Events

1. 2024 Giro d’Italia (Cycling)

  • Dates: May 4th to May 26th, 2024
  • Location: Italy
  • Description: The prestigious Giro d’Italia, one of cycling’s Grand Tours, will see elite cyclists pedal through picturesque Italian landscapes. From challenging mountain stages to thrilling sprints, this race promises excitement for cycling enthusiasts.

2. 2024 PGA Championship (Golf)

  • Dates: May 16th to May 19th, 2024
  • Location: Valhalla Golf Club, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
  • Description: Golf aficionados can look forward to the PGA Championship, where top golfers compete for the coveted title. The lush fairways and tricky greens of Valhalla Golf Club will witness intense battles for supremacy.

3. 2024 UEFA Europa League Final (Football)

  • Date: May 22, 2024
  • Location: Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Republic of Ireland
  • Description: Football fans will gather at Aviva Stadium to witness the thrilling UEFA Europa League Final. European football clubs will vie for glory, showcasing their skills and determination on the pitch.

4. 2024 Stanley Cup Finals (Ice Hockey)

  • Dates: May 15th to June 16th, 2024
  • Location: Various venues
  • Description: The ice hockey season reaches its pinnacle with the Stanley Cup Finals. Teams from the NHL battle it out, aiming to hoist the iconic Stanley Cup trophy. Expect fierce checks, lightning-fast goals, and unforgettable moments.

Religious Holidays

1. Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day)

  • Date: May 5, 2024 (Sunday)
  • Significance: Yom HaShoah solemnly commemorates the victims of the Holocaust. It serves as a reminder to honor their memory and prevent such atrocities from happening again.

2. Ascension of Jesus (Christian)

  • Date: May 9, 2024 (Thursday)
  • Significance: Christians observe the Ascension of Jesus, celebrating His return to heaven after His resurrection. It symbolizes hope, redemption, and the promise of eternal life.

3. Pentecost (Christian)

  • Date: May 19, 2024 (Sunday)
  • Significance: Pentecost marks the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. It is a joyous occasion when believers celebrate spiritual empowerment and unity.

4. Trinity Sunday (Christian)

  • Date: May 26, 2024 (Sunday)
  • Significance: Trinity Sunday honors the Holy Trinity—God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit. It encourages reflection on the divine mystery of three-in-one.

Feel free to share this blog post with fellow sports enthusiasts and those interested in spiritual observances. May 2024 promises a blend of excitement, reverence, and inspiration! 🌟🏆🙏

April 2024: A Month of Celebration and Competition

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Sporting Events

1. The Masters (Golf)

  • Date: April 11th to 14th
  • Location: Augusta National Golf Club
  • Description: Golf enthusiasts from around the world will gather at the picturesque Augusta National Golf Club to witness top players compete for the coveted green jacket. The Masters is a tradition-rich tournament that combines skill, strategy, and breathtaking views.

2. Grand National (Horse Racing)

  • Date: April 13th
  • Location: Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool
  • Description: The Grand National is one of the most prestigious horse racing events globally, attracting both seasoned gamblers and casual spectators. The challenging steeplechase course promises thrilling moments as jockeys and their mounts navigate fences and ditches.

3. World Snooker Championship

  • Date: April 20th to May 6th
  • Location: Crucible Theatre, Sheffield, England
  • Description: Cue up for the World Snooker Championship! The Crucible Theatre will host intense matches as snooker professionals battle it out for the title. Expect precision shots, tactical play, and nail-biting frames.

Religious Holidays

1. Laylat-al-Qadr (Islam)

  • Date: Estimated on April 6th
  • Significance: Laylat-al-Qadr, also known as the Night of Decree, holds immense spiritual importance for Muslims. It commemorates the night when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to Prophet Muhammad. Devotees engage in prayers and seek blessings during this sacred time.

2. Chaitra Navratri (Hinduism)

  • Date: April 9th to 17th
  • Significance: Chaitra Navratri celebrates the divine feminine energy embodied by Goddess Shakti. Devotees observe fasting, perform rituals, and seek blessings from the goddesses Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Durga.

3. Festival of Ridvan (Baha’i)

  • Date: April 21st to May 3rd
  • Significance: Baha’is commemorate the 12-day Festival of Ridvan, which marks the declaration of Baha’u’llah as the messenger of God. The name “Ridvan” translates to “paradise,” symbolizing the garden where Baha’u’llah received his revelation.

4. Mahavir Jayanti (Jainism)

  • Date: April 21st
  • Significance: Mahavir Jayanti honors Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. Devotees visit temples, engage in prayers, and reflect on his teachings of nonviolence, compassion, and enlightenment.

5. Passover (Pesach, Judaism)

  • Date: April 22nd to 30th
  • Significance: Passover commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. Families gather for the Seder meal, retelling the story of Exodus and partaking in symbolic foods.

6. Palm Sunday (Coptic & Eastern Orthodox Christianity)

  • Date: April 28th
  • Significance: Palm Sunday marks Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. It initiates Holy Week, leading up to Easter Sunday.

Whether you’re a sports enthusiast, a seeker of spiritual wisdom, or simply someone who appreciates cultural diversity, April 2024 offers a rich tapestry of events. Mark your calendars and immerse yourself in the magic of this vibrant month! 🌟🏆🙏

Note: Dates and details are subject to change, so be sure to verify specific event schedules closer to the actual dates.

The Soul of Sumo

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Netflix offers a gruesomely spiritual short series about a stable of Sumo wrestlers. One character whose frequent reporting drives the narrative is Asuka Kunishima. In the second to last episode she finally observes an awakening in the team: “Covered in dirt their souls bloom.” High athletic and spiritual intensity make “Sanctuary” absolutely binge worthy.

A Prayer for the FIFA Women’s Soccer World Cup

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Source of all life and love, We thank you for the gift of soccer, A sport that brings joy, passion and unity to millions of people. We pray for the women who will compete in the World Cup, That they may play with skill, courage and respect. We pray for the fans who will cheer them on, That they may celebrate with enthusiasm, fairness and peace. We pray for the organizers, officials and volunteers, That they may ensure a safe, smooth and successful event. We pray for the world that will watch them, That we may learn from their example of teamwork, diversity and excellence. We ask you to bless this World Cup with your grace and guidance, And to inspire us all to strive for the common good of humanity. Amen. (Written by AI)