Kentucky non-profit travels the world, using athletics to share a message

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — For nearly four decades, Sports Reach has used athletics to connect with communities around the world while sharing its Christian faith.

The nonprofit sports ministry has traveled across the United States and to 38 countries, using competition as a way to build relationships and spread its message.

“At the end of the day, sports really don’t mean much, but the fact that God is front and center of all that we do and we glorify Him through all of that, that’s what matters,” said Brady Kirby, director of engagement for Sports Reach.

The organization recruits athletes from across the country to participate in its international outreach efforts, including players from programs such as Western Kentucky University, the University of Louisville and the University of Kentucky.

Sports Reach leaders say the trips provide athletes with more than an opportunity to compete. Traveling internationally also exposes participants to different cultures and experiences that can help them grow beyond the playing field.

“Getting to take guys overseas to experience a different culture, to see different cities and countries and the way that people do things in different places just puts them in a different environment,” said Associate Director Andrew Hammond. “Now they get to go compete, build bridges, have fun and use their abilities to connect with people and influence them. It really helps them grow as people.”

Kirby said sports often provide a common language that helps athletes connect with people regardless of cultural differences.

“Everybody is there for the sport, but it is also to celebrate them and their victories as well as they’re celebrating us and our victories,” Kirby said. “It’s phenomenal.”

He said the atmosphere created through those interactions is difficult to replicate outside of the experience.

“We absolutely love it. They love it,” Kirby said. “It’s just an energy that’s hard to explain unless you’re there.”

As Sports Reach prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary in September, the organization says it remains committed to using athletics to build relationships and share its faith with communities around the world.