Assignment task: Read, review and provide specific feedback on at least 3 of your classmates Sport Outreach Plan drafts from the previous week. Each post should point out strengths with specific suggestions for improvement. Posts should include connections to Scripture.
3 Classmates Draft Plans:
John Denton:
The Pacers Foundation is an organization based in Indianapolis, Indiana that is dedicated to improving the lives of young people in central Indiana and is operated by the Indiana Pacers. The mission statement of the organization states "We seek to empower young people and invest in community partnerships addressing equity and justice in education, health, and safety" (2023). The foundation uses the resources and influence of the Indiana Pacers to make a difference and fulfill their mission. The organization is a great example of how a sports program can change and impact their local community and the lives of others.
The foundation acts out their mission for health by providing basketball camps and basketball development programs for the local youth. The programs focus on creating healthy lifestyles by providing opportunities for local youth to develop their athletic skills and compete with their peers. The foundation also hosts a variety of community events that focus on both physical and mental health. The foundation fulfills their educational mission by providing scholarships to high school seniors and developing mentorship programs for students. Additionally, the Pacers Foundation partners with local schools to develop programs that combine educational and physical activities that keep students engaged and motivated in their studies. The foundation is accessible to children from all backgrounds and ensures that everyone has the opportunity to participate in their community, educational, and athletic events. Local businesses, donors, and volunteers ensure that these programs are free and donate equipment, money, and their time to the organization. The foundation also places an emphasis on safety and ensures that all participants have access to a safe and welcoming environment. The foundation also provides opportunities for students to attend Pacers games and meet the players from the team. Many children do not have the opportunity to attend professional sporting events and this is a great opportunity for them to become involved and learn about competitive sports.
The foundation is a great resource for local students in central Indiana and provides many opportunities for underprivileged young people. While the foundation may not be faith based, I believe that the foundation follows the Biblical principles of fellowship, health, safety, and speaking up for those who may not have a voice. "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy" (New International Version, 2011, Proverbs 31:8-9). The foundation is a perfect example of bringing this verse to life and provides many opportunities for the underprivileged youth of central Indiana.
References:
- New International Version Bible. (2011). The NIV Bible.
- Our Purpose. Pacers Foundation. (2023, August 2).
Deja Lyons:
The sport organization that I have chosen for my discussion is a sport organization based in the Portland metropolitan area called the Multnomah Athletic Foundation. The Multnomah Athletic Foundation focuses on an emphasis upon sports and education, with a target population in impoverished communities. The mission of the organization is to provide educational and sport opportunities, while also making sure youth are reaching their full potential through learning and working together through athletics. The foundation fulfills this in several ways through grants, scholarships, and events. Often as a child I grew up in a community somewhere I wished there was an organization such as this one, being from a single parent home my mom always looked for opportunities to find grants for me to attend college to attend for a lower cost which is what this organization provides.
In the Multnomah foundation the grants provided have high regard towards those that in deficit of resources and opportunities, looking further into some of the awards it does not seem that they just emphasize on one sport but sports such as golf, and sportsmanship characteristics of athletes pertaining to enthusiasm, and passion while playing. The foundation also has awards for grant partners contributions to youth athletic participation which does seem to fall in category with the overall idea of continuously funding the foundation so the overall goal of supporting these communities can take place. The organizations efforts to support underprivileged communities also provides intentional ways to support through such events as information sessions which provides individuals the opportunity to volunteer or those who are new to ask questions and gain answers, this method is strategic in a sense that it allows those who are wanting to support the mission of the foundation to engage and provide help where needed. One thing I did learn and did enjoy about this foundation is that the organization has something called MAF Week where this week collaborates with those from the community with engaging sport participating events such as a spinathon where each hour that someone rides a rider is contributing $125 to the organization which is a great way to get those involved in a fun filled way to support, there also is a great event for student-athletes to engage in a roundtable conversation with former collegiate athletes and professional athletes on ways to leverage themselves with their athletic abilities and for life skills, this event works out perfectly since the mission does not just emphasize sports to athletes but their future endeavors that can translate through education.(Multnomah Athletic Foundation, 2020)
References:
- Multnomah Athletic Foundation. About.
- Multnomah Athletic Foundation. Events.
- Multnomah Athletic Foundation. Grants.
Dominick Hill:
Reap the Harvest Sports outreach is a growing industry. Reap the Harvest is one specific outreach program that I have been able to be apart of that reflects the love of Christ and sharing His word through athletics. This sports outreach program was made up by a Liberty Football player, this programs goal is to be able to share the Gospel through the sport of football. This is for youth athletes, but along with these athletes, their families are able to come and enjoy different events and activities. The main verse for this sports outreach program is Matthew 9:37, "... the Harvest is plentiful but the workers are few." (Holman Bibles, 2017). Through this outreach, a lot of the football players come out and coach these young athletes. During this time they come out and learn not only about football, but about who Jesus is! The athletes and players from the Liberty football team share their personal testimonies and experiences while having deep discussions about faith, character, and endurance during these events. Young players frequently practice football drills in addition to having discussions about Jesus' teachings, which gives the program a unique combination of spiritual and physical development. The program promotes a sense of community and collaboration by providing an environment of encouragement in which players and their families can grow together in both sport and faith.
In addition, Reap the Harvest organizes a range of activities outside of training for football, such as welcoming to families events, spiritual events, and helping others. The activities highlight the program's dedication to complete growth and help in the formation of strong relationships among participants. The outreach also shows how faith may be easy to incorporate into every part of life, serving as a reminder of the larger goal of sharing Christ's message throughout everyday events. In addition to improving the lives of the young athletes, this strategy encourages deeper connections between the families and communities and the athletes themselves.
This event helps give back to the community in many different ways. It gives another perspective for young athletes to help reach their goals by pursing it through Christ.
Luke 6:28: "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
This verse connects well with this outreach program because when you give or help others you will see it be giving back to you from god.