Christ Centered Champions launches in Atlanta
The Christ Centered Champions (CCC) sports and events ministry launched in Atlanta, Texas on June 1st. Atlanta was chosen as the first U.S. launch location because of the nonprofit’s worldwide headquarters being located here. CCC’s founders and directors are Dr. Mark and Beth Hill who live in Linden and office at 702 Holly St. in Atlanta.
The ministry has assisted approximately 400 pastors, missionaries, churches, orphanages, medical clinics, radio and TV ministries, feeding programs, boat ministries, clean water projects, church camps, Christian schools, refugee camps, and much more.
CCC is a free sports and activities opportunity for private schools, home schools, churches, and even public schools. In some countries, their public school systems have adopted CCC as their chosen extracurricular activity in place of athletic or other school programs. The CCC program is designed to reach youth ages 2-18. Each location develops sports and events that best fit the area and culture. Champions Park, at 702 Holly St. in Atlanta, is the U.S. launch location with the following sports and events available: Baseball Target Pitching, Baseball Batting Cage Hitting, Basketball Round the World, Basketball 3 Point Shoot Out, Bike Racing, Disc Golf, Football Target Passing, Soccer Penalty Kicks, Volleyball Serving, Volleyball bumping and setting, GaGa Ball, and Kickball.
Adults are encouraged to pre-register youth at the website ccchampions.org. Once they arrive at an event, their responsible adult will then just fill out a simple demographic information form and sign giving permission for their youth to attend. Otherwise, all paperwork can be filled out on-site. All youth under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult during the events.
CCC is designed for all youth, including children with special needs. When youth (Team Members) attend, they are registered by a responsible adult and then begin play at any of the available sports stations. A Scorekeeper tabulates and records the points earned by each Team Member. When they participate in an event they receive 5 points and they are given the opportunity to score additional points by their behavior during play. Their behavior is based on the Bible’s description of the Fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23. If youth are observed behaving with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, or self-control they are given an additional 5 points. Once they reach 40 points they are awarded a Gold Star Reward that can be heat pressed onto their free jersey they receive when they register. In addition to the point system, youth are given immediate Gold Star Rewards for telling someone else about Jesus, completing a 14-week Bible study program, or bringing a friend who hears about Jesus. These additional Gold Star Rewards are based on the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:19-20 where Jesus commanded His followers to evangelize, disciple, and multiply. When rewards are given, the youth are allowed to ring the big CCC bell, loud and proud.
CCC is looking for other cities, schools, and churches to launch their own programs. The Atlanta Team is needing more adults to come and help as Assistant Coaches. The Assistants are given training and must pass a background check to help provide a safe zone for youth to gather. If additional information is needed you may contact them through their website at ccchampions.org or call their office at 903-796-5378.