These days, true sports heroes are often--though certainly not always--professing Christians. For example, the picture of perseverance: pro basketball's A.C. Green. He not only won the NBA Ironman Award for 1,074* consecutive games played, but is famous for his unashamed sexual abstinence as a single. Or how about the up-from-stocking-grocery-shelves Cinderella story of 2000 Super Bowl-winning quarterback Curt Warner of the St. Louis Rams. Even Sports Illustrated admitted, "...by overcoming doubt and adversity at every turn, [Warner] has earned the right to have his faith taken at face value." Soccer sensation Michelle Akers makes no bones about her Christian faith (see articles below). And the story of Eric Lidell's Christian convictions and athleticism, immortalized in the popular film Chariots of Fire, still inspires after almost 80 years. * Green was eventually waived this year with 1,133 straight games.
Our special focus answers to the question, "What is a Christian view of sporting and sportsmanship--from the bleachers and the field of play?"
—Byron Barlowe, Editor/Webmaster, Leadership University
Out of Control: Obnoxious Little League Parents Chuck Colson A few weeks ago, Michael Costin was supervising practice for his 10-year-old son's hockey team just north of Boston. During the practice, another parent, Thomas Junta, became upset at how his son was being treated. What happened next is a sign of where our culture's attitudes about parenting can lead.
Where Have All Our Heroes Gone? Ray Cotton We all have a need for heroes. But where do we find them in the world today? First of all, we must determine what key element determines heroism. The author chooses personal character, rather than superior performance, as the main ingredient.
The Weird World of Sports James Nuechterlein Nuechterlein: "A life lived in a sports bar is a life ill spent. But for the great majority of us, sports provides a pleasurable interlude in life for which we not only need not repent, but for which we should offer continuing prayers of gratitude."
Michelle Akers's Story Michelle Akers She helped lead the U.S. team to victory in the 1991 World Championship by scoring ten goals in only six games. She helped lead her team to Olympic Gold in 1996 and is doing her best to join them for a repeat in Sydney, despite chronic health problems. But while many call her the greatest women's soccer player ever, you won't have to read much of Michelle's compelling story to realize that for her, there is more to life than soccer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Michelle Akers On her Web site, the moral and athletic leader of the 1996 Gold Medal-winning U.S. Women's Olympic Soccer Team answers questions about soccer, training, fitness, and life in general. Here are the most common questions and Michelle's responses.
Integrity: What's the Price? Patrick Morley True moral character is revealed when one is alone. Integrity, which manifests itself through honesty, is the key to good character.
Go here to see our past Special Focus features.