Sport and spirituality in dialogue

On Wednesday, October 22nd, the workshop “Play, Sport and Spirit” was organised by Fondazione Gesuiti Educazione in collaboration with St. Aloysius College, and was held at the conference hall of the Mediterranean College of Sport.

The event offered a full day of formation, reflection, and dialogue on the deep connection between sport and spirituality, with the goal of strengthening collaboration between schools and sports centers of the Network and promoting an integral vision of education — one that unites body, mind, and heart.

Physical education teachers, principals, school directors, coaches, and sports center coordinators had the opportunity to exchange ideas on how sport can become a tool for personal and spiritual growth, enhancing the experiences and values that inspire Ignatian pedagogy.

During the day, Fr. Patrick Kelly SJ provided a historical and cultural overview of the role of sport in Jesuit education, presenting the flow theory as a key to understanding the educational and spiritual value of sporting experience. Fr. Javier Bailén Llongo SJ then explored the human and spiritual virtues that can be cultivated through sports practice — such as honesty, humility, justice, and gratitude — offering concrete tools to accompany young people in their integral growth.

Participants also had the opportunity to visit the new sports facilities of the Mediterranean College of Sport and St. Aloysius College — a concrete example of how the sporting dimension can become an integral part of the educational journey. The day concluded in an atmosphere of enthusiasm and gratitude, reflecting the richness of dialogue and the depth of the shared experiences. The initiative reaffirmed the importance of building a vibrant network among Jesuit schools and sports centers, capable of promoting sport as a privileged path to educate body, mind, and spirit.