about Athletes in Action
ONE WORLD TO REACH
Crime, Murder, Abuse, Racism, Scandal, Corruption. Every day our newspapers, the Internet and television tell the depressing, and sometimes tragic story of a world and its people that is far from realizing its created purpose.
Many athletes and coaches, once thought to be ideal role models for today’s youth, are swept up in a culture that seems to have abandoned limits and a moral compass for a “win at all cost” mentality. In the end the sports pages are no different than the front pages of our newspapers
ONE LANGUAGE OF SPORTS
For billions of people, the stadiums of the world serve as houses of worship. Whether on a sandlot or in a stadium, where there is a scoreboard, there is a crowd. Fans gather to cheer on their favorite team – be it professional, collegiate or Little League.
Sports is a universal language with the powerful ability to shape a culture, heal a nation, break down political, racial and economic barriers and restore national pride. Children dream of being the next LeBron James, Peyton Manning or Serena Williams. Sports speak a language that children around the world understand.
ONE MESSAGE OF VICTORY
Since 1966, AIA has committed to sharing a Victory beyond Competition that is found only in a relationship with Jesus Christ. Athletes and coaches around the world who are experiencing this life-changing relationship are telling the story of Jesus – to their teammates and fellow coaches, to hurting and needy people through their words and acts of compassion and kindness, and to the millions of people through the media. Over 650 staff members and 7,500 volunteers in 94 countries boldly proclaim Jesus Christ, deeply equip believers to lead and urgently mobilize ambassadors of Good News and Good Will in the fulfillment of the Great Commission.
As societies around the world look up to athletes as heroes, they must find those heroes looking up to God!
The global vision and mission of AIA is supported by the following commitments and strategies:
- • Direct ministry with college, professional and top amateur athletes and coaches
- • A comprehensive plan for ethnic and gender diversity
- • Competing sport teams in teams such as baseball, basketball, soccer, tennis, track and field, swimming, rugby and more
- • Integrating compassion and humanitarian aid with the sport platform
- • Hosting outreach events at major sporting events such as the Super Bowl, Final Four, NBA All-Star Game, Olympics, World Cup of soccer and more
- • A home office that features a sports complex and conference center with overnight accommodations for over 200 people
Athletes in Action is a ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ, International
Vision Statement
A Christ follower on every team, in every sport and in every nation
Mission Statement
Building spiritual movements everywhere through the platform of sport so that everyone knows someone who truly follows Jesus
Ministry
AIA is a global pioneer, innovator, and servant leader in sport ministry.
Motivation
Changed Lives
Main values
Faith, growth, fruitfulness
Measures
Giving 100 million people annually the opportunity to hear the gospel
Building a global movement of 15,000 spiritually mature athletic influencers