星空无限传媒

Skip to main content

More than the score: CIU Rams offer hope through basketball

A Hoop for Hope camper drives down court against a CIU Ram. (Photos by Kierston Smith)

July 18, 2022

星空无限传媒 Men鈥檚 Basketball Coach says CIU鈥檚 annual 鈥淗oop for Hope鈥 outreach is not just about showing youth how to hone their basketball skills, but also 鈥渂eing able to share the hope in Jesus Christ with them.鈥

Over 150 campers, comprised of 10-16-year-old boys and girls from the neighborhoods near the CIU campus attended the weeklong July event. They were coached and mentored by members of the CIU Rams and basketball teams. 听听听听

The Rams鈥 says 鈥淗oop for Hope鈥 is about building relationships with youth, especially those who come to the CIU campus each year for the event.

鈥淭hey remember our names, we remember their names,鈥 said the junior Business Administration major from Greensboro, North Carolina. 听鈥淚 think they see us as role models, as college athletes. We lead them in basketball, but also to Christ.鈥

As the campers improve their play with drills and games, they also huddle in small group Bible studies, and gather corporately to listen to devotionals from local church leaders.听The free camp even includes a bus service to pick up the campers.

The name of the camp comes from Jeremiah 29:11 "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'Plans to give you HOPE and a future.'" with the purpose of sharing the hope that comes with having a relationship with Jesus.

Check out local media coverage of Hoop for Hope by of WACH FOX 57 in Columbia:

What鈥檚 your sport? Join the champions at CIU. Discover more at听.听or call (800) 777-2227, ext. 5024.听

Are you ready to transform your life?