Faith
50 Years: Christians in Sport Advances Gospel
Faith Facts
- Launched in 1976 by prayerful group including Wimbledon champion Stan Smith.
- Grew from 80 at first dinner to supporting 10,000 athletes today.
- Partners with ministries in 150 countries, equipping over 1,000 leaders.
God moved powerfully when sports-loving Christians gathered on February 18, 1976, convinced He cares deeply about athletics as a mission field.
They prayed boldly for luncheons, dinners, a full-time leader, regional fellowships, and England as Europe’s example in Christ-centered sports outreach.
The inaugural London dinner on June 19, 1976, drew 80 believers, sparking explosive growth to 400 attendees by 1978.
Registered as a charity in 1980 with Rev. Andrew Wingfield Digby as director, the ministry now runs camps, university events, and global partnerships.
Sport has always mattered to both God and humanity, generation after generation.
said Graham Daniels, general director.
Sport is a universal language. God has placed so many people at the heart of it—His mission field.
God cares about sport and the millions involved. And He would move if they prayed.
God’s kindness shines in answering those prayers, transforming a simple vision into worldwide gospel impact amid sports’ rising cultural power.
Like Daniels urges, let’s pray boldly today for revival in athletics, equipping believers to shine Christ’s light on fields everywhere.