Basketball builds team faith
TORONTO, ON—When two Seventh-Day Adventist teams squared off in On Your Mark Ministries' final basketball game of the season, more than 700 people were cheering in the stands.
For many of the teens who take part in the game, the support of the crowd is life-changing.
"These young men usually play basketball to prove themselves," says Duane Hall, vice president of On Your Mark. "They play basketball for themselves—to prove their individuality.
"But when they step out on the court with us, suddenly there's this gym full of people cheering for them. They've never been in a place with so much support."
Toronto West took the championship this year, defeating Apple Creek who held the title in 2007. Each team is sponsored by a church, and players must attend that church at least twice a month.
"[When] they show up at church there are people who they don't even know coming up to them and saying, 'I saw you play! My kid thinks you're great!'" says Hall. "Even when they're not from a favourable situation at home, we've created a haven for those young people where they'll be accepted and encouraged, on and off the court."
Hall suggests this sets up a "subtle form of accountability" because church members invest themselves in the players—who become the public face of the church. And churches take this investment seriously, making banners and ordering t-shirts to show their support for the team.
"Another brought their drum line in to rally the crowd. We've had businessmen and entrepreneurs from the churches fronting money for the uniforms. Even pastors are mentioning the game while preaching the message. It's really able to draw everybody together," Hall says.
There are about 130 young men in the GTA-wide league between the ages of 13 and 17. Based in Toronto's West End, the league also includes teams from as far east as Whitby and as far west as Hamilton. League members also take part in an annual community service event, which have included a food drive and a cancer walk.
"Basketball is the hook to get young men," Hall says. "They'll do anything to play basketball and once we have them in the building we have their attention. There aren't a lot of leagues guys in this age group can just join. We definitely see ourselves as meeting a need."
On Your Mark also holds an annual All Star event, with a keynote speaker.
"We always hold that way out of town. We need to get them to a place where their cell phones are long distance!
"We just want to affect lives [and show them] the Christian lifestyle in community—for them to see that it works. We want to put on an amazing sporting event that doesn't compromise, but show young people you don't have to discredit someone else to show how good you are.
"On Your Mark is really about empowering youth to be the best."
Dear Readers:
ChristianWeek relies on your generous support. please take a minute and donate to help give voice to stories that inform, encourage and inspire.
Donations of $20 or more will receive a charitable receipt.Thank you, from Christianweek.
