Jindabyne Uniting Church Pastor Matthew McBurney left for Canada and the Winter Olympics today. He will work with Sydney woman Nett Knox providing chaplain services to athletes of all nations at the Games’ Multi Faith Centre.

Pastor McBurney is chaplain for NSW Institute of Sport and said he had devoted his life to looking after elite athletes.

“I’m familiar with the young people going over for the Olympics. It’s my first international trip with them,” Pastor McBurney said.

Pastor McBurney’s duties at the Olympics will include conducting church services, holding bible studies, providing counselling and generally “hanging out” with athletes.

“I’ve been following in particular the athletes that practice here with moguls, alpine skiing and snowboard cross. I met and was fascinated by the skeleton team,” Pastor McBurney said.

Skeleton is a sliding sport where competitors run 50 metres pushing a board resembling a human skeleton. They then leap head-first onto their stomach and ride the board against the clock.

Pastor McBurney said the wives and partners of Olympic officials and coaches were due every credit for their support and for keeping home fires burning.

Providing pastoral services to athletes from other nations is an important part of Pastor McBurney’s duties.

“Australia is very good with follow-up psychological services. Some athletes don’t achieve their goals and it really hits them hard,” Pastor McBurney said.

“Some countries in the Eastern bloc, if you don’t get the gold you’re wiped,” he said.

Pastor McBurney is rostered to work two of every three days, but he is “going over there to do a job” and does not plan to take his ski gear to Canada.

Sports Chaplaincy Australia is funding Pastor McBurney’s trip and donations above $2 are tax deductible.

“We’d be very grateful for any help in that regard,” Pastor McBurney said.

Pastor McBurney would also be happy to try and pass messages to athletes and will update his Facebook page while at the Games. Call Leane on 0414 820 603 to pass on a message.