Invocation / Opening Prayer

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

Amen.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of good health and peace that we
enjoyed for so many years.

As we find ourselves in this time of crisis today, we ask for Your Divine Intervention
and Mercy to be upon each of us.

As we surrender ourselves in adoration, we welcome You amongst us today and

celebrate the gift of life that you have lavished upon each of us.

We thank you for allowing us to gather here before you in this competition not as
adversaries but as friends.

May you grant each and every contestant an understanding mind that this
competition is among friends.

May it foster love and camaraderie amongst all present here today.

May your loving heart fill each of us so that we could realize that it is not winning
that truly counts, but the honest and noble way to get there.

May you bless the officials, organizers, judges, participants and everyone for their
cooperation and unity in making this momentous event a remarkable experience of
your love and generosity.

May we ask You for Your blessings and guidance so that activities set for this
undertaking be successful.

We ask all this, in the name of Jesus Christ,

Amen.