|
A USA Today survey found
that "seven in ten children would not care if no one kept score at their games.
Four in ten wished their parents did not come to their games. Too many kids
secretly hate playing organized sports because of the pressure to win or the
rejection they feel when they make a mistake."
 Upward Basketball® is a
dynamic sports outreach ministry reaching youth and partnering with churches to
lead the way in children's sports evangelism in local communities, nationally,
and internationally. Our purpose is to help others look “upward” to see the
saving knowledge of Jesus Christ by using something as simple as a ball. What
value can be placed upon a ministry that changes the lives of those it touches?
Although Upward
Basketball’s® two main focuses are ministering and outreach, Upward Basketball®
is ABOUT children. There is a separate league for boys, a separate league for
girls and is designed for first through sixth grades. One thing that impresses
so many parents is the strong emphasis that Upward places on being a
“Christ-centered”, "kid-sensitive" program. Children are taught how to play
basketball and they are given an equal opportunity to play. They leave with a
stronger self-esteem and feel like winners because they are given equal
opportunity for improvement, and they are recognized for their achievement after
each and every game.
The integrity and
consistency of Upward Basketball® are very important. Therefore, proper training
is a key component. Every church that would like to conduct an Upward
Basketball® league must have a representative attend a training seminar (details
attached). As training begins and an understanding of the total program unfolds,
it is apparent that Upward Basketball® relies on many different resources to
produce a first-class, well-organized, detailed basketball league. But it
doesn't stop there. There are two reasons Upward™ strives to provide this: (1)
Parents want their children involved in quality programs; and (2) Upward
Basketball® wants to assist churches in accelerating their church growth by
reaching lost kids and their families for Christ..
|
UPWARD BASKETBALL
