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September 03, 2015 - 8:00 PM
KAMLOOPS - If you know what the Hunger Games is all about, imagine the Compassion Games as the exact opposite. Instead of violent self-preservation, think kind acts of selflessness.
Organizer Daphane Nelson says the games, which are coming to Kamloops for the second time later this month, are based on a 'worldwide epidemic of compassion.'
Individuals or groups to pledge their time and energy to acts they are passionate about and each day participants will be given a 'secret' task or mission to perform.
“Acts can be community service, causes for animals, the environment... whatever resonates," Nelson says, adding the secret tasks could vary greatly as well. “Demonstrate compassion for strangers. Think of everyone as your friend, smile, and hold doors open, let people go ahead of you."
She also created a 'drive with compassion' mission specifically for Kamloops, which could include allowing another car to merge ahead of yours.
“It’s particularly bad because of construction right now,” Nelson says.
After completing your mission, participants are asked to write about it online on a 'compassion map.' This interactive world map allows you to read and be inspired by random acts of kindness around the globe.
Nelson admits lasts year’s games were slightly last minute and participation wasn’t very high. This year, she extended invitations to all levels of government in Kamloops from city councillors to federal candidates. Nelson says she’s also be pleased with the response from businesses, neighbourhood associations and recreational organizations.
“We’re trying to be an entrenched thing you see every year; a part of really beautiful things that take place in Kamloops.”
She says the prize at the end of these games is a more involved and compassionate city.
“A lot of people feel disconnected from their neighbours or communities, because they’re not plugged in,” Nelson says, adding this is the result of very busy lives.
At the end of the day, all those at both the giving and receiving end of random acts of kindness benefit.
“How do you feel when somebody does something nice for you?”
The Compassion Games will take place Sept. 11 to 21 and are open to anyone interested in participating.
To contact a reporter for this story, email Dana Reynolds at dreynolds@infonews.ca or call 250-819-6089. To contact an editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.
News from © iNFOnews, 2015