A WHOLE NEW BALL GAME

Basketball coach pursues fresh hoops and dreams

Film feature by Emily Bright

IT’S a slam dunk. But a basketball star’s shot is interrupted by a rewind of the TV clip by coach Marcus (Woody Harrelson), who is replaying the footage from the comfort of his bed. So begins comedy drama Champions, which was released in cinemas yesterday (Friday 10 March).

Marcus is frustrated in his role as assistant coach of the Iowa Stallions. He feels that he belongs in the big league, the NBA, and that his boss Phil (Ernie Hudson) never listens to his sound advice. When he openly criticises Phil in a team huddle at a game, the tension between them escalates until Marcus lashes out, pushing Phil over.

Things go from bad to worse when Marcus decides to drive while three times over the limit and ends up crashing into a police car. He faces a court hearing, where the judge dispenses 90 days’ community service of teaching basketball to people with intellectual disabilities at a recreation centre. He does it only to avoid the unthinkable alternative: an 18-month prison sentence.

The first few sessions don’t bode well – the players aren’t very good and they spend a fair amount of time clowning around. But as he hears their life stories –their relationships, hobbies and jobs – he begins to care more than he ever thought he would about those that he coaches. As he witnesses prejudice towards his students, he confronts it head-on.

And as the team grow in confidence, they apply their self-belief and courage to challenges they experience in their personal lives.

They aim to qualify for the North American regional title at the Special Olympics in Winnipeg. But, as time goes on, Marcus realises his definition of a champion has changed completely. It is all about who the person is rather than the final result.

It can be easy to define ourselves by our achievements, looks or by the money we have – or don’t have. But the reality is that our value is found in who we are, not what we do or have.

Christians believe that everyone can find their true identity in a relationship with the God who created us, loves us unconditionally and treasures everything about us.

They understand the picture of divine love painted by one Bible passage which describes God as ‘the champion who will rescue you’, who ‘will joyfully celebrate over you’ and who ‘will rest in his love for you’ (Zephaniah 3:17 The Voice).

The God of the universe rejoices over us and rescues us from any misconceptions we have about our value. We never have to prove ourselves or earn his affection – he gives it freely. In him, we can discover our true sense of worth and live life to the full.

Investigating a relationship with God is definitely worth a shot.