Fellowship of Christian Athletes
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The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is a not-for-profit Christian organization that has been based in Kansas City, Missouri since 1956. Its national headquarters is across Interstate 70 from the Truman Sports Complex and is visible from inside Kauffman Stadium. Despite the name, members are not required to be athletes.
Founded in 1954, FCA is the largest interdenominational school-based sports organization in the United States. An early supporter and underwriter of FCA was Major League Baseball executive Branch Rickey.
A faith-based organization, FCA uses the influence of coaches and athletes as a means of Christian evangelism. The group operates chapters based in schools, and operates camps, workshops and conferences. FCA currently has about 600 employees.
FCA Endurance A sports-specific ministry of FCA whose mission is to impact the endurance world for Jesus Christ through athletes living and competing for God's glory. Their ministry objectives are to minister to the endurance world through uniting, equipping, and encouraging Christian athletes from across the country onto one team that can effectively share the Gospel through their passion for endurance sports (running, triathlon, cycling, etc.) They also desire to spread the word about FCA and their ministries. For more information, go to: www.fcaendurance.org
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[edit] The National Bobby Bowden Award
In 2004, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes presented the first of what is now a yearly award in Bobby Bowden's name, The National Bobby Bowden Award, which honors one college football player for their achievements on the field and in the classroom and for their conduct as a faith model in the community [1]. Nominees must have a 3.0 GPA or better and must also have the backing of his school's athletic director and head football coach. The award is presented each year prior to the Bowl Championship Series' national title game.
Winners:
- 2004: Billy Bajema, Oklahoma State
- 2005: D.J. Shockley, Georgia
[edit] Camps
Every summer for several years, the FCA holds sports and leadership camps for youth and high school students. The camps are held at different colleges throughout the United States, and feature professional athletes such as Steve Fitzhugh, Ray Simmons, Mike Cobb, Wade Hopkins, etc. The FCA camps feature sport practices and conditioning as well as daily chapels and huddles so that students can strengthen both their game as well as their walk with Christ. Huddles are led by college athletes who show a unique faith in the Lord.