Category Archives: Sports

Local Sports for January

January 14, 2014Local Entertainment, Our Cities, Recreation, Senior Living, SportsJoanne

Lots of Action Takes Away Mid-winter Chills

If you’re starting to get a little stir crazy staying warm indoors, check out one of the local sports events this month. There are plenty of games to chose from and it might just be the ticket to getting your mind off the cold. Fire up your competitive spirit and chase the chills away!

Friday January 3, 2014

Boys Ice Hockey

-East Kentwood @ Muskegon Mona Shores

Girls Basketball

– South Christian @ Calvin Christian

– Kelloggsville vs Grand River Prep @ Potter’s House Tournament

– Wellspring Prep vs Potter’s House@ Potter’s House Tournament

– Wyoming Lee @ Holland Christian Christmas Tourney

– Kenowa Hills @ Wyoming

Boys Basketball

– South Christian @ Calvin Christian

– Bridgman @ Godwin Heights

– Tri-Unity Christian @ Cornerstone Invitational

– Wyoming @ Kenowa Hills

– Grand River Prep @ Covenant Christian

Saturday January 4, 2014

Boys Ice Hockey

– East Kentwood @ Muskegon Mona Shores

Boys / Girls Bowling

– East Kentwood @ Grandville

– Kelloggsville @ Fruitport Invitational

– Potter’s House @ Fruitport Invitational

Girls Gymnastics

– East Kentwood @ Rockford

Girls Competitive Cheer

– East Kentwood @ Grandville

– Godwin Heights @ Muskegon Mona Shores

Boys Wrestling

– East Kentwood @ Lakeland

– Godwin Heights @ Pine River

– Kelloggsville @ Wyoming Invitational

– Wyoming Lee @ Orchard View

– Wyoming vs TBD @ Wyoming Invitational

Boys Swimming

– East Kentwood @ East Grand Rapids Pioneer Invite

– South Christian @ East Grand Rapids Pioneer Invite

Girls Basketball

– Western MI Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian

– Kelloggsville vs TBD @ Potter’s House Tournament

– Potter’s House vs TBD @Potter’s House Tournament

– Grand River Prep vs TBD @ Potter’s House Tournament

– Wyoming Lee @ Holland Christian Christmas Tourney

Boys Basketball

– Western MI Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian

Monday January 6, 2014

Boys / Girls Bowling

– Hudsonville @ East Kentwood

– South Christian @ Grand Rapids Christian

– Kent City @ Godwin Heights

– Wyoming Lee @ Kelloggsville

Girls Gymnastics

– East Kentwood @ Rockford

Girls Basketball

– Tri-Unity @ Holland Calvary

Tuesday January 7, 2014

Girls Basketball

– East Kentwood @ Union

– South Christian @ Zeeland West

– Hopkins @ Godwin Heights

– Kelloggsville @ NorthPointe Christian

– Kent City @ Wyoming Lee

– Zion Christian @ Potter’s House

– Wyoming @ Calvin Christian

Boys Basketball

– Byron Center @ East Kentwood

– Zeeland West @ South Christian

– Godwin Heights @ Hopkins

– Zeeland East @ Tri-Unity Christian

– NorthPointe Christian @ Kelloggsville

– Zion Christian @ Potter’s House

– Calvin Christian @ Wyoming

Boys Swimming

– Northview @ South Christian

Boys / Girls Bowling

– Middleville T-K @ South Christian

Wednesday January 8, 2014

Boys / Girls Bowling

– East Kentwood @ Grand Haven

– Godwin Heights @ Potter’s House

– Kelloggsville @ NorthPointe Christian

– Wyoming Lee @ Hopkins

Girls Competitive Cheer

– East Kentwood @ Hudsonville

– Godwin Heights @ Kelloggsville

– OK Silver Jamboree @ Kelloggsville

– Wyoming Lee @ Kelloggsville

Boys Hockey

– East Kentwood @ Rockford

Boys Wrestling

– Grandville @ East Kentwood

– Godwin Heights @ Hopkins

– Kelloggsville @ Hopkins Tri

– Wyoming Lee @ Calvin Christian

– Wyoming @ Coopersville

Thursday January 9, 2014

Boys Swimming

– Grand Haven @ East Kentwood

Boys / Girls Bowling

– Unity Christian @ South Christian

Girls Basketball

– Grand River Prep @ Western Michigan Christian

Friday January 10, 2014

Girls Gymnastics

– East Kentwood @ Forest Hills Central

Boys Basketball

– TC Central @ East Kentwood

– Holland Christian @ South Christian

– Tri-Unity Christian @ Godwin Heights

– Wyoming Lee @ Kelloggsville

– Zion Christian @ Heritage Christian Academy

– Potter’s House @ Freedom Christian

– Belding @ Wyoming

– Grand River Prep @ West Michigan Lutheran

Girls Basketball

– East Kentwood @ TC Central

– Holland Christian @ South Christian

– Tri-Unity Christian @ Godwin Heights

– Wyoming Lee @ Kelloggsville

– Potter’s House @ Freedom Christian

– Zion Christian @ Heritage Christian Academy

– Belding @ Wyoming

Saturday January 11, 2014

Boys Swimming

– East Kentwwod @ Rockford

Boys Wrestling

– East Kentwood @ West Catholic – Dunneback Invite

– Godwin Heights Tourney

– Kelloggsville @ Fruitport Tournament

– Wyoming Lee @ Flushing Invite

– Wyoming @ Brandywine

Girls Competitive Cheer

– East Kentwood @ West Ottawa

– Godwin Heights @ Comstock Park

– Kelloggsville @ Comstock Park Invitational

– Wyoming Lee @ Comstock Park Invitational

Boys Hockey

– East Kentwood @ FH Central

Boys Basketball

– Cedar Springs @ Kelloggsville

– Holland Black River @ Zion Christian

Girls Basketball

– Holland Black River @ Zion Christian

Monday January 13, 2014

Girls Gymnastics

– Lowell @ East Kentwood

Boys / Girls Bowling

– NorhtPointe Christian @ Godwin Heights

– Calvin Christian @ Wyoming Lee

Girls Basketball

– Godwin Heights @ Fruitport

Tuesday January 14, 2014

Girls Comp Cheer

– East Kentwood Falcon Invite

Boys Basketball

– East Kentwood @ Grandville

– South Christian @ Wayland

– Godwin Heights @ Wyoming Lee

– Tri-Unity Christian @ Grant

– Covenant Christian @ Kelloggsville

– Potter’s House @ Kalamazoo Heritage Christian

– Wyoming @ Coopersville

Girls Basketball

– Grandville @ East Kentwood

– Wayland @ South Christian

– Wyoming Lee @ Godwin Heights

– Grant @ Tri-Unity Christian

– Kelloggsville @ Covenant Christian

– Kalamazoo Heritage Christian @ Potter’s House

– Coopersville @ Wyoming

Boys Swimming

– Holland @ South Christian

Boys / Girls Bowling

– South Christian @ Wayland

Wednesday January 15, 2014

Boys / Girls Bowling

– East Kentwood @ Grandville

– Wyoming Lee @ Godwin Heights

– Kent City @ Kelloggsville

Girls Gymnastics

– FH Central @ East Kentwood

Boys Wrestling

– West Ottawa @ East Kentwood

– Godwin Heights @ Kent City

– Kelloggsville Tri @ Kelloggsville

– Hopkins @ Wyoming Lee

– Wyoming @ Sparta

Girls Competitive Cheer

– OK Silver Conference Meet @ Godwin Heights

Thursday January 16, 2014

Boys Swimming

– East Kentwood @ Rockford

Boys / Girls Bowling

– South Christian @ Ottawa Hills

Girls Basketball

– Grand River Prep @ Tri-Unity Christian

Friday January 17, 2014

Boys Basketball

– Grand Haven @ East Kentwood

– Catholic Central @ South Christian

– NorthPointe Christian @ Godwin Heights

– Grand River Prep @ Tri-Unity Christian

– Kellooggsville @ Kent City

– Zion Christian @ Freedom Baptist

– West Michigan Lutheran @ Potter’s House

– Allendale @ Wyoming

Girls Basketball

– Grand Haven @ East Kentwood

– Catholic Central @ South Christian

– NorthPointe Christian @ Godwin Heights

– Kelloggsville @ Kent City

– Wyoming Lee @ Calvin Christian

– Zion Christian @ Freedom Baptist

– West Michigan Lutheran @ Potter’s House

– Allendale @ Wyoming

– Grand River Prep @ Tri-Unity Christian

Boys Hockey

– Clarkston @ East Kentwood

Saturday January 18, 2014

Girls Competitive Cheer

– East Kentwood @ Rochester Royal Rumble

– Godwin Heights @ Catholic Central

– Kelloggsville @ Allendale Invitational

– Wyoming Lee @ Allendale Invitational

Boys / Girls Bowling

– East Kentwood @ GR Union Red Hawk Invitational

– South Christian @ GR Union Red Hawk Invitational

– Kelloggsville @ GR Union Red Hawk Invitational

– Wyoming Lee @ G Union Red Hawk Invitational

Boys Wrestling

– East Kentwood @ East Kennedy

– Godwin Heights @ Lakeview

– Kelloggsville @ Unity Christian Invitational

– Wyoming Lee @ Unity Christian Invitational

– Wyoming @ West Ottawa

Girls Gymnastics

– East Kentwood @ Lowell Invite

Boys Hockey

– Marysville @ East Kentwood

Girls Basketball

– Zeeland East @ East Kentwood

– Grace Christian @ Zion Christian

Boys Basketball

– Grace Christian @ Zion Christian

Boys Swimming

– South Christian @ East Grand Rapids Invite

Monday January 20, 2014

Boys / Girls Bowling

– Rockford @ East Kentwood

– Godwin Heights @ Hopkins

– Calvin Christian @ Kelloggsville

– NorthPointe Christian @ Wyoming Lee

Girls Gymnastics

– East Kentwood @ Kenowa Hills

Girls Basketball

– Tri-Unity Christian @ NorthPointe Christian

Girls Competitive Cheer

– Kelloggsville @ Comstock Park Invitational

Tuesday January 21, 2014

Girls Basketball

– East Kentwood @ Lowell

– Forest Hills Central @ South Christian

– Godwin Heights @ Calvin Christian

– Hopkins @ Kelloggsville

– Algoma Christian @ Potter’s House

– Wyoming @ GR Union

Boys Basketball

– Holland @ East Kentwood

– Calvin Christian @ Godwin Heights

– Kelloggsville @ Hopkins

– West Michigan Lutheran @ Zion Christian

– Algoma Christian @ Potter’s House

– GR Union @ Wyoming

Boys Swimming

– South Christian @ Hamilton

Boys / Girls Bowling

– Byron Center @ South Christian

Wednesday January 22, 2014

Girls Competitive Cheer

– East Kentwood @ Grandville

Boys / Girls Bowling

– East Kentwood @ Hudsonville

– Kelloggsville @ Godwin Heights

– Kent City @ Wyoming Lee

Girls Gymnastics

– Rockford @ East Kentwood

Boys Wrestling

– East Kentwood @ Hudsonville

– Godwin Heights @ Wyoming Lee

– Kelloggsville @ Kent City

– Allendale @ Wyoming

Thursday January 23, 2014

Boys Swimming

– West Ottawa @ East Kentwood

Boys / Girls Bowling

– Wyoming @ Potter’s House

Friday January 24, 2014

Girls Basketball

– West Ottawa @ East Kentwood

– South Christian @ Ottawa Hills

– Kent City @ Godwin Heights

– Tri-Unity Christian @ Covenant Christian

– Kelloggsville @ Calvin Christian

– Hopkins @ Wyoming Lee

– Calvary Schools Of Holland @ Zion Christian

– Potter’s House @ Fruitport Calvary Christian

– Wyoming @ Comstock Park

– Grand River Prep @ Muskegon Catholic

Boys Basketball

– West Ottawa @ East Kentwood

– South Christian @ Ottawa Hills

– Kent City @ Godwin Heights

– Tri-Unity Christian @ Covenant Christian

– Kelloggsville @ Calvin Christian

– Potter’s House @ Fruitport Calvary Christian

– Wyoming @ Comstock Park

– Grand River Prep @ Muskegon Catholic

Boys Hockey

– Grand Haven @ East Kentwood

Saturday January 25, 2014

Girls Competitive Cheer

– LMCCOA Invite @ East Kentwood

– Kelloggsville @ LMCCOA @ East Kentwood

Boys Wrestling

– East Kentwood @ Lakewood Viking Team Duals

– Godwin Heights @ Okemos

– Kelloggsville @ Grand Rapids Christian Tournament

– Wyoming Lee @ Kalamazoo Central Maroon Giant Invitational

– Wyoming @ Montague

Boys / Girls Bowling

– East Kentwood Invitational

– South Christian @ East Kentwood Bowling Invite

– Godwin Heights @ East Kentwood Bowling Invite

– Kelloggsville @ East Kentwood Bowling Invite

– Wyoming Lee @ East Kentwood Bowling Invite

Girls Gymnastics

– East Kentwood @ Kenowa Hills Invite

Monday January 27, 2014

Boys / Girls Bowling

– Grand Haven @ East Kentwood

– Calvin Christian @ Godwin Heights

– Hopkins @ Kelloggsville

– Wyoming Lee @ Potter’s House

Girls Basketball

– Grand River Prep @ NorthPointe Christian

Tuesday January 28, 2014

Girls Competitive Cheer

– East Kentwood Falcon Invite

Boys Basketball

– East Kentwood @ Rockford

– South Christian @ Hastings

– Comstock Park @ Godwin Heights

– Kelloggsville @ Allendale

– Calvary Christian @ Zion Christian

– Holland Black River @ Potter’s House

– Wyoming @ Cedar Springs

Girls Basketball

– Rockford @ East Kentwood

– Hastings @ South Christian

– Godwin Heights @ Comstock Park

– Allendale @ Kelloggsville

– Wyoming Lee @ NorthPointe Christian

– Calvary Christian @ Zion Christian

– Holland Black River @ Potter’s House

– Cedar Springs @ Wyoming

Boys Swimming

– South Christian @ Byron Center

Boys / Girls Bowling

– Catholic Central @ South Christian

Wednesday January 29, 2014

Girls Gymnastics

– East Kentwood @ Lowell

Boys Wrestling

– East Kentwood @ Rockford

– Calvin Christian @ Godwin Heights

– Kelloggsville @ Wyoming Lee

– Wyoming @ Belding

Boys / Girls Bowling

– Godwin Heights @ Kent City

– Kelloggsville @ Wyoming Lee

Girls Competitive Cheer

– Godwin Heights @ Wyoming Lee

– Kelloggsville @ Wyoming Lee

Thursday January 30, 2014

Boys Swimming

– East Kentwood @ Hudsonville

Boys / Girls Bowling

– Wayland @ South Christian

Girls Basketball

– Muskegon Catholic Central @ Tri-Unity Christian

– Potter’s House @ Holland Calvary

Friday January 31, 2014

Boys Wrestling

– East Kentwood @ West Ottawa – OK Red Conference Meet

– Godwin Heights @ Calvin Christian – OK Silver Conference Meet

– Kelloggsville @ Calvin Christian – OK Silver Conference Meet

– Wyoming Lee @ Calvin Christian – OK Silver Conference Meet

Girls Basketball

– Hudsonville @ East Kentwood

– Middleville T-K @ South Christian

– Kelloggsville @ Godwin HeightsKelloggsville

– Zion Christian @ Holland Black River

– Potter’s House @ Holland Calvary

– Sparta @ Wyoming

Girls Competitive Cheer

– East Kentwood @ Rockford

Boys Hockey

– Grandville @ East Kentwood

Boys Basketball

– Hudsonville @ East Kentwood

– Middleville T-K @ South Christian

– Kelloggsville @ Godwin Heights

– Muskegon Catholic Central @ Tri-Unity Christian

– Zion Christian @ Holland Black River

– Potter’s House @ Holland Calvary

– Sparta @ Wyoming

Once in a lifetime experience at the 2014 Rose Bowl

January 6, 2014Sports2014 Rose BowlJoanne

Memories will last a lifetime

By Colleen Pierson

The smell of Roses was oh so sweet! It was an experience of a lifetime for our family to attend the 2014 Rose Bowl. Our son Robert is a senior at Michigan State University majoring in Finance. It was a dream of his to be there. Our financial advisor said it would be too expensive to go. I am glad we ignored him. The memories will last a lifetime.

The MSU football team has waited over 26 years to bring home the title. We decided that we had to be there to witness the team’s efforts.

“It was the best day of my life,” Robert Pierson said after the MSU football team win.

The experience was a costly one, but well worth it. We drove to Chicago, flew to Las Vegas, and drove to Pasadena. Finding lodging was a difficult task. I finally found a small apartment within walking distance of the parade and game. It was very expensive, but convenient.

We were able to take in Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, and attend the Pep Rally of 27,000 people. In addition, we savored every moment at the Rose Bowl Parade and Game. The weather was a perfect 75 degrees on a daily basis and the sun was always out.

There were times that I couldn’t even watch the game as I was so stressed out with the fiercely competitive nature of the game. I could breathe again after Kyler Elsworth flew over the pile to make the final hit of the season. To be part of the cheering crowd was an adrenaline high.

It was a storybook ending. The 100^th Rose Bowl game and all of its memories will be permanently etched in our minds and for the first time in 26 years—Spartans are Rose Bowl Champions.

Local Sports for December

December 26, 2013Our Cities, Recreation, SportsJoanne

By Mike Moll, WKTV Sports Announcer

Wednesday December 11, 2013 Boys/Girls Bowling – South Christian @ Kelloggsville – Godwin Heights @ Rockford Boys Wrestling – Kelloggsville @ GR Christian – Wyoming @ Plainwell Quad Girls Competetive Cheer – Scrimmage – @East Kentwood Girls Basketball – Potter’s House @ Western Michigan Christian

Thursday December 12, 2013

Boys/Girls Bowling – South Christian @ Byron Center – Unity Christian @ Wyoming Girls Basketball – Wyoming @ Hudsonville – Covenant Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian Boys Swimming – FH Northern @ East Kentwood

Friday December 13, 2013

Girls Basketball – Western Michigan Christian @ Kelloggsville – GR Christian @ South Christian – East Kentwood @ East Grand Rapids – Sparta @ Godwin Heights – Calvary Schools of Holland @ Wyoming Lee – Muskegon Catholic @ Grand River Prep – Holt Lutheran @ Zion Christian Boys Basketball – GR Christian @ South Christian – Jenison @ Wyoming – East Kentwood @ East Grand Rapids – Sparta @ Godwin Heights – Calvary Schools of Holland @ Wyoming Lee – Tri-Unity @ Potter’s House – Grand River Prep @ Zion Christian

Saturday December 14, 2013

Boys Wrestling – Kelloggsville @ Delton-Kellogg – Wyoming @ Allendale Invitational – East Kentwood @ Holland – Tim Horn Invite – Godwin Heights @ South Haven – Wyoming Lee Tri Invite Girls Competetive Cheer – Rocket Invitational @ Kelloggsville – Wyoming @ Rocket Invitational (Kelloggsville) – Godwin Heights @ Rocket Invitational (Kelloggsville) – Wyoming Lee @ Rocket Invitational (Kelloggsville) – East Kentwood @ Comstock Park – CCCAM Invite Boys/Girls Bowling – South Christian @ Lowell Invite – Godwin Heights @ Lowell Girls Basketball – Grandville @ Wyoming Boys Hockey – Rochester Stony Creek @ East Kentwood

Monday December 16, 2013

Boys/Girls Bowling – Godwin Heights @ Kelloggsville – Wyoming Lee @ Kent City Girls Basketball – West Ottawa @ Wyoming – Tri-Unity @ Potter’s House

Tuesday December 17, 2013

Boys Basketball – Kelloggsville @ West Catholic – South Christian @ Zeeland East – Wyoming @ Byron Center – Godwin Heights @ Covenant Christian – Wyoming Lee @ Zion Christian – Cedar Springs @ Tri-Unity – Grand River Prep @ Calvary Schools of Holland Boys/Girls Bowling – Hastings @ South Christian Girls Basketball – Byron Center @ East Kentwood – Covenant Christian @ Godwin Heights – Wyoming Lee @ Zion Christian – Grand River Prep @ Calvary Schools of Holland

Wednesday December 18, 2013

Boys/Girls Bowling – Kelloggsville @ Hopkins – South Christian @ Catholic Central – Wyoming @ Wayland – Godwin Heights @ Calvin Christian Boys Wrestling – Kelloggsville @ Fruitport Quad – Comstock Park @ Wyoming – Grand Haven @ East Kentwood – Godwin Heights @ East Grand Rapids Girls Competetive Cheer – Wyoming @ GR Christian – Christmas Invite – East Kentwood @ GR Christian – Christmas Invite – Godwin Heights @ Wyoming Lee – Kelloggsville @ Wyoming Lee

Thursday December 19, 2013

Boys Swimming – South Christian @ East Kentwood Quad Girls Basketball – Zion Christian @ Grand River Prep

Friday December 20, 2013

Girls Basketball – Godwin Heights @ Kelloggsville – South Christian @ Unity Christian – Wyoming @ Sparta – East Kentwood @ Caledonia – Godwin Heights @ Kelloggsville – Potter’s House @ Wyoming Lee – Tri-Unity @ Muskegon Catholic Central – Grand River Prep @ Hudsonville Freedom Christian – Wellsprings Prep @ Zion Christian Boys Basketball – Godwin Heights @ Kelloggsville – South Christian @ Unity Christian – Wyoming @ Sparta – East Kentwood @ Caledonia – Godwin Heights @ Kelloggsville – Potter’s House @ Wyoming Lee – Tri-Unity @ Muskegon Catholic Central – Grand River Prep @ Hudsonville Freedom Christian – Wellsprings Prep @ Zion Christian Boys Swimming – South Christian @ Rockord West MI Relays & Diving – East Kentwood @ Rockford West MI Relays & Diving Boys Hockey – East Kentwood @ Catholic Central

Saturday December 21, 2013

Boys Wrestling – Kelloggsville @ Ravenna Tournament – Wyoming @ Chippewa Hills Initational – Godwin Heights @ Colon – Wyoming Lee @ Ravenna Boys Swimming – South Christian @ Rockord West MI Relays & Diving – East Kentwood @ Rockford West MI Relays & Diving Girls Competetive Cheer – Wyoming @ Musegon Reeths-Puffer Invite Boys Hockey – East Kentwood @ Northville

Friday December 27, 2013

Boys Basketball – Kelloggsville @ Coopersville – FH Central @ Wyoming – East Kentwood vs John Glenn @ Musk Hall of Fame Tourney Boys/Girls Bowling @ Lee – Baker Tournament Girls Basketball – East Kentwood vs DeWitt @ Davenport University – Godwin Heights @ Hastings

Saturday December 28, 2013

Boys Basketball – East Kentwood vs Muskegon @ Muskegon Hall of Fame Tourney Boys Wrestling – Godwin Heights @ Grandville

Monday December 30, 2013

Boys Basketball – Tri-Unity @ Cornerstone College Invitational

Christian based sports program leads to increased self-esteem in children

December 5, 2013SportsUpward Basketball LeagueJoanne

On an “Upward” note…

By Terri Yochum

Area children and youth are reaching for the sky, aspiring to improve athletic and social skills through a Christian based sports program called Upward Basketball. Local churches have joined forces to offer this heart -healthy and heartwarming experience to our communities.

The local Upward Basketball League provides a safe, family-friendly environment in which K5-8 th grade children and youth are encouraged to learn and grow. Participation in the program helps each team member to further develop a sense of self-esteem and spiritual awareness. Through personalized coaching, even teaming and a system which allows each child to play a variety of positions, every child is given an equal opportunity to reach his or her full potential.

Cheerleading is also an important aspect of the program. Tryouts are not required, insuring the inclusion of all who wish to participate. No cuts are made, hence increasing self-esteem even more.

The Upward program is based upon biblical principles and Christian values. All Upward games begin and end in prayer with a devotional segment during half-time. “The goal is to make a significant, positive impact upon our children while stressing the fact that the final score is really measured in fun. Every child is a winner!,” said Jeff Beyer, four-year Upward coach.

All games are played locally and are scheduled for one hour. Practices are only once a week and are for one hour. This convenient arrangement allows a family to participate with limited interruption to their busy lifestyle.

Following each season, an award ceremony takes place. Every participant receives a prize or trophy.

Enrollment in the program involves a nominal fee. However, financial aid is available. “We want to make Upward Basketball accessible to all our families,” Pastor Mike Caley from the Banner of Christ Church explained.

Upward Sports encourages the participation of adults as well. Many volunteer opportunities exist for parents and others who are interested in contributing toward the continued success of the program.

Jim Bos, a seasoned Upward coach, is one such person. Bos, together with his family, have been involved with Upward since the first year the program was implemented in their church.

“It’s hard for my wife and I to believe that it has been over six years since our family started participating in the Upward program. It’s just amazing how big the program is today,” he said with obvious excitement. “Our Upward experience has been totally positive since the first day my wife registered our oldest son.”

Bos went on to explain how the program enabled his children to grow as Christians while enhancing their skills on the court. “The Bible lessons, helpful coaching and super half-time messages have all played an important role in our children’s Christian development,” he added.

His wife then recalled a time when Jerad, their eldest, was ten-years-old and the family had attended the year-end celebration. The teacher, while spinning basketballs with his hands and feet, had discussed the importance of taking it to the ‘next level’ for Christ. The next day, while she and Jerad were out walking, her son turned to her and announced, “Mom, I think that man was right! I do need to take it to the next level in my walk with God and in my life and here is what I’m going to do!”

“This is just one example of the impact that Upward has had on our children,” Bos pointed out.

Recently, Bos was sharing his experience and love for the program with another Upward coach: “We agreed that Upward is the perfect program because it prepares kids for future competitive basketball programs and provides long-term opportunities for the recreational player, all while calling them to a relationship with Jesus Christ, our Savior. No one could ask for more than that!”

In addition to creating a fun and nurturing learning experience, the staff and volunteers associated with the Upward program also strive to help motivate young people to engage in physical activity. According to the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition, only one in three children are physically active every day. Children now spend more than seven and a half hours a day in front of a screen. (e.g., TV , videogames, computer). Only about one in five homes have parks within half mile, and about the same number have a fitness center within that distance.

“It’s very important that our children and youth have safe access to a place where they can play and learn by interacting with others who share their love of sports and their love of God!” said Thad Abel, a local Upward director and church elder. “My thanks go out to all our area churches for helping to make this happen.”

Upward Sports is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, based in Spartanburg, South Carolina. It is a Christian sports league, designed for kids in grades K5-8 offering four sports programs: basketball, flag football, soccer and cheerleading.

Upward Sports leagues are conducted by 2600 churches in 46 states and Canada. Upward equips local churches with everything necessary to operate their own leagues. Included are playbooks, sports apparel and online tools. Training for staff and coaches is also provided.*

For more information concerning the Upward Basketball League and/or Upward Sports please visit www.upward.org or to register online please visit: http://registration.upward.org/UPW51262.