NEWS PROVIDED BY
Upward Sports
Oct. 30, 2025
SPARTANBURG, S.C., Oct. 30, 2025 /Standard Newswire/ — Upward Sports is celebrating 30 years of ministry, marking three decades of God moments, lives transformed, and churches equipped to reach their communities through the power of sports.
Since its founding in 1995, Upward Sports has partnered with thousands of churches nationwide, creating opportunities for children and families to connect, grow, and experience the love of Christ in a fun and encouraging environment. What began as a vision to use sports as a connection tool has grown into the world’s largest Christian youth sports organization.
“It is a great privilege to see the work God is doing through local churches across America and with our international partners, said Kevin Drake, Executive Director of Upward Sports. “Every story, every child, every family reached is a testimony of God’s faithfulness.”
In honor of this anniversary, Upward Sports is launching 30 Years, 30 God Moments —a month-long celebration sharing stories from across the past three decades. These stories look back on how God has used sports to transform lives and strengthen communities through local churches.
Churches, families, and friends of Upward Sports can view these stories at www.upward.org/30yearanniversary.
As Upward Sports looks ahead, its mission remains clear: to promote the discovery of Jesus through sports—equipping churches to reach their communities and impact lives through the love of Christ, one league, one season, and one God moment at a time.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Kevin Drake, Executive Director – kdrake@upward.org
About Upward Sports Upward Sports partners with churches to use sports as a powerful connection tool for reaching their communities. Offering youth programs in basketball, soccer, cheerleading, flag football, volleyball, baseball, softball, and pickleball—and most recently launching running programs for adults—Upward equips leaders to create Christ-centered sports experiences for children, families, and entire communities. Learn more about bringing Upward Sports to your church at Upward.org/Church-Leaders.
SOURCE Upward Sports