ABOUT ERIC LIDDELL
Eric Liddell Institute derives its inspiration from the exemplary life of Eric Liddell (1902- 1945). Liddell was born in China and lived there as a child until he went to boarding school in England at the age of six. Liddell excelled at school both academically and on the sporting field.
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In 1921, he enrolled at the University of Edinburgh to study science. During this time he became famous as an athlete, playing for the Scottish Rugby Union Team and competing in national athletic championships. He is probably most well-known for winning the 400 metres at the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris, as dramatized in the film Chariots of Fire.
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Liddell returned to China in 1925 after graduating from the University of Edinburgh with a Bachelor of Science degree. He served as a teacher and missionary first in Tianjin, and later in the town of Xiaozhang, Hebei Province. He married Florence Mackenzie in 1934 and had three daughters: Patricia, Heather and Maureen.
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In 1941, Liddell sent his family to Canada for safety from the Sino-Japanese war. In 1943, he was interned in a Japanese concentration camp in Weifang, Shandong Province. During his time there, Liddell helped the elderly, cared for the sick and organised activities and Bible classes for the children. His dedication to assisting others in all areas of life, despite great personal cost, touched many. Liddell died in the concentration camp in 1945 just a few months before the end of World War II.
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The Eric Liddell Institute (ELI) seeks to emulate the extraordinary example of Eric Liddell in the fields of education, theological training, and promoting social welfare in Australia and in Asia. ELI is a registered Australian charity and is composed of members and supporters. Its activities are overseen by a number of directors from different professions.
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