0:00:03 > 0:00:07'Every Olympic Games begins with this motto...'
0:00:09 > 0:00:15'A trio of Latin words, which means faster, higher, stronger.'
0:00:16 > 0:00:19I bet you didn't know, but those words were inspired
0:00:19 > 0:00:22by the teachings of a Dominican priest 100 years ago.
0:00:22 > 0:00:26Well, this week, I've come to Stratford, east London,
0:00:26 > 0:00:29where this time next year, the 30th Olympic Games will be taking place.
0:00:29 > 0:00:32So it's on your marks, get set, go!
0:00:37 > 0:00:40'So, this week, I'll be looking around the Olympic site
0:00:40 > 0:00:42'as the builders are about to move out,
0:00:42 > 0:00:46'meeting the vicar laying the Games' spiritual foundations
0:00:46 > 0:00:50'and enjoying more great music from Britain and beyond.'
0:00:56 > 0:00:59UPBEAT INSTRUMENTAL
0:01:00 > 0:01:04'In just over a year, London will host the Olympic Games.
0:01:04 > 0:01:08'It's the biggest sporting event to ever take place in the UK.'
0:01:11 > 0:01:14'This is the brand-new Olympic stadium,
0:01:14 > 0:01:17'which will welcome a massive 80,000 spectators
0:01:17 > 0:01:20'and billions more watching on television around the world.'
0:01:22 > 0:01:25If you're lucky enough to be in one of these seats,
0:01:25 > 0:01:28you're guaranteed an experience you'll never forget.
0:01:29 > 0:01:32The biggest event in the Songs Of Praise calendar
0:01:32 > 0:01:35is the ever-popular Big Sing, when thousands of us raise the roof
0:01:35 > 0:01:38in the glorious surroundings of the Royal Albert Hall.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50'And I'll have exciting news about this year's Big Sing event
0:03:50 > 0:03:53'at the end of the programme, so have a pen to hand.'
0:03:56 > 0:04:00'Construction at Olympic Park started five years ago.
0:04:00 > 0:04:02'It's already three quarters finished.'
0:04:05 > 0:04:08The Games are on track, thanks to an army of workers
0:04:08 > 0:04:12whose mission was to turn Britain's Olympic dream into reality.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15At its height, the workforce reached 16,000.
0:04:15 > 0:04:17That's the size of a small town.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19This place has got its own medical centre,
0:04:19 > 0:04:22fire service, even police force.
0:04:23 > 0:04:28'And this building site is the last place you'd expect to find a vicar.
0:04:28 > 0:04:30'But it's a community, like any other.
0:04:30 > 0:04:34'Kelvin Woolmer is hard-hat chaplain to the workers.'
0:04:35 > 0:04:37How did you get this job?
0:04:37 > 0:04:40- Well, I used to be a policeman. - Right. How did you get that job?
0:04:41 > 0:04:43I was ordained in 2001
0:04:43 > 0:04:46into the Church of England.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49And I became the borough chaplain for Tower Hamlets
0:04:49 > 0:04:51in my last few years in the police.
0:04:51 > 0:04:55I'd retired, and then we went and got the Olympics
0:04:55 > 0:04:58in the summer of 2005.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01And I was asked to look at this job,
0:05:01 > 0:05:04to take on the role of chaplain for the construction workforce.
0:05:04 > 0:05:09It was an opportunity that won't come again, so take it with both hands.
0:05:09 > 0:05:11This has got to be the biggest parish ever, hasn't it?
0:05:11 > 0:05:15Everywhere you look, there are workers, construction going on.
0:05:15 > 0:05:17As a parish, it's unique.
0:05:17 > 0:05:21Because we've got no children and we've got no mums and toddlers clubs.
0:05:21 > 0:05:26But we do have a lot of fellas away from home, not seeing their family.
0:05:26 > 0:05:29I'd love a look around. Shall we go for it?
0:05:29 > 0:05:32- Walk on.- Fantastic!
0:05:46 > 0:05:49You'll definitely know our next hymn - For All The Saints.
0:05:49 > 0:05:51The words were written by William Walsham How,
0:05:51 > 0:05:54who was actually Bishop here, in the East End of London.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17Were people a bit reticent to start with, coming up to you?
0:09:17 > 0:09:21Initially, they were. They didn't understand what we were about.
0:09:21 > 0:09:23But I think, once we'd broken the ice
0:09:23 > 0:09:26and people learnt they could come to us about anything
0:09:26 > 0:09:29and what they said stayed with us, was confidential,
0:09:29 > 0:09:31that's when we really couldn't cope.
0:09:31 > 0:09:35Because you could have them queuing up to come and talk to me.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38We deal with people of all backgrounds, all faiths,
0:09:38 > 0:09:39all situations.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42And we're just generally there for them.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45So, it's not a case of you evangelising?
0:09:45 > 0:09:47You're not here to try and convert people?
0:09:47 > 0:09:50We're not here to convert anybody. One of the workers said,
0:09:50 > 0:09:53"You'll never make me a Christian."
0:09:53 > 0:09:56I said, "I've got more chance of making you a Jedi Knight
0:09:56 > 0:09:58"than I have of making you a Christian."
0:09:58 > 0:10:00So once we got past that point,
0:10:00 > 0:10:03and once everyone understands we're not here evangelising,
0:10:03 > 0:10:05that we're just here as people of faith,
0:10:05 > 0:10:10albeit a Christian faith, we are here for everybody.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12Because we are all God's children.
0:10:12 > 0:10:15So we are here to look after them for him.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45'As Kelvin's been telling us, this area has attracted people
0:13:45 > 0:13:48'from all different backgrounds and faiths.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51'It's also created lots of employment.
0:13:51 > 0:13:55'Londoner Keith Gordon is just one of the army of workers
0:13:55 > 0:14:00'who've transformed this area into a world-class sporting venue.'
0:14:00 > 0:14:03Tell me a bit about what you do here.
0:14:03 > 0:14:07Well, I'm an apprentice on this Olympic site.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10- Doing what?- Landscaping.
0:14:10 > 0:14:12I'm an apprentice landscaper.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15You must be very proud when you look at that sight.
0:14:15 > 0:14:17Oh, yes. I'm really proud.
0:14:17 > 0:14:23To see this site how it was before it got to this stage,
0:14:23 > 0:14:25it was just all mud and just rubble.
0:14:25 > 0:14:31And to see what it looks like now, I'm just proud to be a part of that.
0:14:31 > 0:14:34Is this the sort of place you're going to bring the family?
0:14:34 > 0:14:36Oh, definitely.
0:14:36 > 0:14:38I do want to bring my family down here,
0:14:38 > 0:14:40so that I can, in a sense, show off,
0:14:40 > 0:14:45to say, you know, I helped to put in those trees.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48I did those hills there. I helped to plant those plants.
0:14:48 > 0:14:51Is this work for you or is it pleasure?
0:14:51 > 0:14:53I think it's a bit of both.
0:14:53 > 0:14:55But more pleasure for me,
0:14:55 > 0:15:00so the whole job itself is a pleasurable experience.
0:15:13 > 0:15:16# As high as the heavens
0:15:16 > 0:15:20# Are above the earth
0:15:20 > 0:15:26# So high are your ways to mine
0:15:26 > 0:15:32# Ways so perfect they never fail me
0:15:32 > 0:15:38# I know you are good all the time
0:15:38 > 0:15:42# And through the storm
0:15:42 > 0:15:46# Yes, I will praise you
0:15:46 > 0:15:49# Despite it all
0:15:49 > 0:15:52# Yes, I will sing
0:15:52 > 0:15:55# Through good and bad
0:15:55 > 0:15:58# Yes, I will worship
0:15:58 > 0:16:00# For you remain the same
0:16:00 > 0:16:06# King of Kings
0:16:06 > 0:16:11# You are the voice of hope
0:16:11 > 0:16:17# The anchor of my soul
0:16:18 > 0:16:25# Where there seems to be no way
0:16:25 > 0:16:30# You make it possible
0:16:31 > 0:16:37# You are the Prince of Peace
0:16:38 > 0:16:44# Amidst adversity
0:16:44 > 0:16:50# My lips will shout for joy
0:16:50 > 0:16:55# To you, the most high. #
0:17:04 > 0:17:08All the athletes will have one thing in common - the will to win.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11Sport isn't just about competition.
0:17:11 > 0:17:13It can unite nations and bridge barriers.
0:17:13 > 0:17:17When I was in South Africa for the Football World Cup,
0:17:17 > 0:17:20I found out exactly how sport can change the world.
0:17:22 > 0:17:27'South Africa's emphatic return to international sport
0:17:27 > 0:17:30'was underlined at the 1995 Rugby World Cup.
0:17:30 > 0:17:35'But, for the country, the tournament had a deeper resonance.
0:17:35 > 0:17:40'During apartheid, the Springboks were hated by most black South Africans,
0:17:40 > 0:17:44'because rugby was the sport of their oppressors.'
0:17:44 > 0:17:47As President, Nelson Mandela saw the potential of sport
0:17:47 > 0:17:50to unite and reconcile a divided country.
0:17:50 > 0:17:56'This was reciprocated by the South African captain, Francois Pienaar,
0:17:56 > 0:18:00'who took his players to Robben Island during the 1995 tournament.
0:18:00 > 0:18:06'He was the last team member to visit Nelson Mandela's former cell.'
0:18:06 > 0:18:10I stood in that cell, and he was on Robben Island for 17-odd years.
0:18:10 > 0:18:14And it was just a small cell with no view, really.
0:18:14 > 0:18:16And, er, I remember...
0:18:16 > 0:18:20Because now I've met him, we've spoken about many things.
0:18:20 > 0:18:24He came to the opening - just before the opening game, he came to see us.
0:18:24 > 0:18:26It was very emotional.
0:18:26 > 0:18:28'During the tournament,
0:18:28 > 0:18:31'the team also learnt their country's new national anthem.'
0:18:31 > 0:18:35We got a voice coach in to teach us how to sing.
0:18:35 > 0:18:39And the players loved it. They were training in the showers.
0:18:39 > 0:18:42We laughed at each other when it came to the pronunciation.
0:18:42 > 0:18:46Some of the forwards just couldn't pronounce some of the words.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48We sang it regularly.
0:18:48 > 0:18:51It was important for us to be able to sing our national anthem.
0:18:52 > 0:18:57'In the final, the Springboks faced the favourites, New Zealand's All Blacks.
0:18:57 > 0:19:02'President Mandela visited the home team's dressing room before the match.'
0:19:02 > 0:19:04And he wore a Springbok on his heart.
0:19:04 > 0:19:07Never did we know he was going to be there.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10And nor did I ever imagine in my wildest dreams
0:19:10 > 0:19:13that he would wear a Springbok shirt,
0:19:13 > 0:19:15having fought against the Springbok,
0:19:15 > 0:19:17as it were, in the days of apartheid.
0:19:17 > 0:19:21He stood with a Springbok on his heart and he said good luck to us.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24And when he turned around, my number was on his back.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27So when I stood there in front of 65,000 people -
0:19:27 > 0:19:29and, actually, in front of the world,
0:19:29 > 0:19:31because I knew this was beamed across the world -
0:19:31 > 0:19:35I was too emotional. I could not open my mouth to sing,
0:19:35 > 0:19:37because I knew I would cry.
0:19:37 > 0:19:40I knew I would just cry, because I was so proud.
0:19:40 > 0:19:42And I remember looking to my right,
0:19:42 > 0:19:46and my team-mates were singing Nkosi Sikeleli from the bottom of their stomachs,
0:19:46 > 0:19:49and the tears were rolling down their cheeks.
0:19:49 > 0:19:50They were also incredibly proud.
0:19:50 > 0:19:55So I realised we would play until we couldn't play any more,
0:19:55 > 0:19:57until they have to drag us off the field that day.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02When that final whistle blew, I went down on my knees
0:20:02 > 0:20:07to say thank you for the privilege of playing in this wonderful match.
0:20:07 > 0:20:11And before I knew it, everybody just stormed around me.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14And the whole team was around me on their knees.
0:20:14 > 0:20:18And I just asked one of our players to say a prayer,
0:20:18 > 0:20:20and everybody bowed their heads.
0:20:20 > 0:20:24That's when all the emotions of the six weeks just came to the floor.
0:20:24 > 0:20:28We said thank you for the opportunity to play in the World Cup.
0:20:28 > 0:20:30It was a very special moment.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33I think it's one of the first times ever that a sporting team
0:20:33 > 0:20:36showed their faith and belief in such a way.
0:20:40 > 0:20:49# Nkosi Sikelel i'Afrika
0:20:49 > 0:20:57# Malup hakanyiswu phondolwayo
0:20:57 > 0:21:04# Yiswa imithanda zo yethu
0:21:04 > 0:21:12# Nkosi Sikelela
0:21:12 > 0:21:20# Thina lusapolwayo
0:21:20 > 0:21:26# Morena boloka setjaba sa heso
0:21:26 > 0:21:31# O fedise dintwa le matshwe ne ho
0:21:31 > 0:21:36# O seboloke
0:21:36 > 0:21:38# Seboloke
0:21:38 > 0:21:45# Se tjaba sa heso
0:21:45 > 0:21:51# Se tjaba sa South Afrika
0:21:51 > 0:21:55# South Afrika
0:21:55 > 0:22:02# Uit die blou van onse hemel
0:22:02 > 0:22:07# Uit die diepte van ons see
0:22:07 > 0:22:13# Oor ons ewige gebergtes
0:22:13 > 0:22:18# Waar die kranse antwoord gee
0:22:18 > 0:22:24# Sounds the call to come together
0:22:24 > 0:22:29# And united we shall stand
0:22:29 > 0:22:36# Let us live and strive for freedom
0:22:36 > 0:22:45# In South Africa, our land. #
0:22:49 > 0:22:51As we can see, the stadium is completed.
0:22:51 > 0:22:55Everything around it almost completed.
0:22:55 > 0:22:57- Does that mean the end of your role here?- Not entirely.
0:22:57 > 0:23:01It finishes as the chaplain to the construction workforce,
0:23:01 > 0:23:03but I still run a parish.
0:23:03 > 0:23:06I've got plenty of people I've got contact with.
0:23:06 > 0:23:09So I've got a continuing role.
0:23:09 > 0:23:11What's been your proudest moment?
0:23:11 > 0:23:14My proudest moment is just being here
0:23:14 > 0:23:16and being available to these people.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19For them to talk to me and my team
0:23:19 > 0:23:22and to share part of their life.
0:23:22 > 0:23:24Has your faith changed in the time you've been here?
0:23:24 > 0:23:27It's got stronger and stronger and stronger.
0:23:27 > 0:23:31Because you can see God at work in everything here. You really can.
0:23:31 > 0:23:33People might not understand what God is,
0:23:33 > 0:23:37but in praying for them, walking around, listening to their stories
0:23:37 > 0:23:40and seeing this work going up, God has got to be in this.
0:23:40 > 0:23:44The piece of music you chose reflects the time you've spent here.
0:23:44 > 0:23:46Yes. It's The Prayer.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49And it's got those wonderful words in it -
0:23:49 > 0:23:53"We are all God's children and we are seeking God's grace."
0:23:53 > 0:23:56That's what I've been doing. Walking around here,
0:23:56 > 0:23:59praying that everybody receives God's grace.
0:24:07 > 0:24:14# I pray you'll be our eyes
0:24:14 > 0:24:20# And watch us where we go
0:24:20 > 0:24:26# And help us to be wise
0:24:26 > 0:24:33# In times when we don't know
0:24:33 > 0:24:40# Let this be our prayer
0:24:40 > 0:24:47# When we lose our way
0:24:48 > 0:24:53# Lead us to a place
0:24:53 > 0:24:57# Guide us with your grace
0:24:57 > 0:25:06# To a place where we'll be safe
0:25:06 > 0:25:14# A world where pain and sorrow will be ended
0:25:14 > 0:25:21# And every heart that's broken will be mended
0:25:21 > 0:25:26# And we'll remember
0:25:26 > 0:25:32# We are all God's children
0:25:32 > 0:25:35# Reaching out to touch you
0:25:35 > 0:25:41# Reaching to the sky
0:25:41 > 0:25:45# We ask that life be kind
0:25:45 > 0:25:48# We ask that life be kind
0:25:48 > 0:25:51# And watch us from above
0:25:51 > 0:25:54# And watch us from above
0:25:54 > 0:25:58# We hope each soul will find
0:25:58 > 0:26:01# We hope each soul will find
0:26:01 > 0:26:04# Another soul to love
0:26:04 > 0:26:07# Another soul to love
0:26:07 > 0:26:14# Let this be our prayer
0:26:14 > 0:26:22# Just like every child
0:26:23 > 0:26:28# Give us faith so we'll be
0:26:28 > 0:26:45# Safe. #
0:26:53 > 0:26:56'Lord God, may our world come together
0:26:56 > 0:26:58'and be united as one people,
0:26:58 > 0:27:00'joined in joy and love
0:27:00 > 0:27:02'for one common purpose,
0:27:02 > 0:27:05'of being humanity at its best.
0:27:06 > 0:27:10'Lead us in love and may your Holy Spirit keep us safe
0:27:10 > 0:27:12'and guide us in living your gospel.
0:27:12 > 0:27:16'For the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen.'
0:27:22 > 0:27:25For some athletes, this will be the greatest moment of their lives.
0:27:25 > 0:27:28The hard work will have paid off. It's the finishing line.
0:27:28 > 0:27:31Look, I've just won a race. Mind you, it was only me competing.
0:27:31 > 0:27:33I'd love to be here in 12 months' time.
0:27:33 > 0:27:37Imagine this stadium full - 80,000 people cheering.
0:27:37 > 0:27:40The atmosphere's guaranteed to be electric.
0:27:40 > 0:27:43APPLAUSE
0:27:43 > 0:27:46'As promised, I'll have news of how to get your ticket
0:27:46 > 0:27:49'for this year's Big Sing in just a moment.'
0:32:36 > 0:32:38APPLAUSE
0:32:38 > 0:32:41Grab a pen and paper, because here we go again.
0:32:41 > 0:32:43It's that special time of year when I can announce
0:32:43 > 0:32:46how to apply for tickets for this year's Big Sing,
0:32:46 > 0:32:49which takes place on Sunday 11th September.
0:32:49 > 0:32:51"From where?" I hear you ask.
0:32:51 > 0:32:53You've guessed it. The Royal Albert Hall.
0:32:53 > 0:32:55The all-important ticket line number is...
0:33:05 > 0:33:09For more details or to apply online, please go to our website...
0:33:12 > 0:33:14So, if you want to be inside,
0:33:14 > 0:33:17as opposed to outside in the cold, then don't miss the boat.
0:33:17 > 0:33:19If you don't manage to get tickets,
0:33:19 > 0:33:23you can watch from the best seat in the house - at home on your telly.
0:33:23 > 0:33:25I'll be there. See you soon.
0:33:26 > 0:33:30'Next week, Pam Rhodes explores the enduring power of hymns
0:33:30 > 0:33:32'as the Methodist Church publishes a new hymn book
0:33:32 > 0:33:34'called Singing The Faith.
0:33:34 > 0:33:36'So there'll be plenty to enjoy, with great hymns
0:33:36 > 0:33:40'from the congregation in Oxford, Wallingford Parish Church Choir,
0:33:40 > 0:33:43'and special guests Melanie Marshall and Wynne Evans.'
0:33:54 > 0:33:57Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:33:57 > 0:34:00E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk