Upward Sports Celebrates 30 Years of Life Changing Ministry Through Sports
Written by Jennifer McCraw | Marketing & Partnerships
This year marks a milestone we can only celebrate with gratitude: 30 years of Upward Sports. What began as a simple vision to use sports as a way to connect people to Jesus has now grown into a movement that has touched communities across the nation.
For three decades, churches have partnered with Upward Sports to create spaces where kids, parents, and adults come together, not just for competition, but for connection, encouragement, and life-changing conversations about faith. From basketball courts to soccer fields to running trails, God has been at work in ways bigger than we could have ever imagined.
30 Years, 30 Stories
As we reflect on this anniversary, we know the story isn’t really about us…it’s about the God moments. The moments when a coach prayed with a player who needed encouragement. The moment a parent came to practice and found their way back into church community. The moment a teenager decided to follow Christ after hearing a devotion at halftime.
To honor these stories, we’re spotlighting them through a special series: 30 Years for 30 God Moments. Churches and leaders from across the country have shared their experiences of what God has done through their unique sports ministry, and we can’t wait for you to see them.
Each video is a glimpse into the heart of this ministry: not just games, not just wins or losses, but transformed lives. Together, these moments remind us why we do what we do, and why the mission matters now more than ever.
Looking Back, Moving Forward
As we celebrate 30 years, we also look ahead with anticipation. The opportunities to reach people through sports are greater today than they’ve ever been. With every new season, new league, and new face that walks into a gym or onto a field, we believe God has more stories yet to be written.
We’re grateful for every church, every coach, every volunteer, and every family who has been part of this journey. You are the reason Upward Sports has been able to reach communities for three decades, and your faithfulness continues to fuel the mission.
Join the Celebration
We invite you to celebrate with us! Watch the 30 Years for 30 God Moments videos and share them with your church, your teams, and your community. Let them inspire you, encourage you, and remind you that God is at work through something as simple, and powerful, as sports.
Here’s to 30 years of impact, and to the next 30 years of seeing God move through the ministry of sports.
Interested in bringing sports to your church? Learn more at www.upward.org/church-leaders
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