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What is Upward Unlimited®?

Upward seeks to develop the self-esteem of each participant, while teaching respect for authority, sportsmanship, character, and fundamental skills of basketball, cheerleading, soccer, baseball, or softball. One of the purposes of Upward is to share the love of Jesus Christ with each player, coach, official, and family.  Upward teaches children, parents and coaches that Every Child is a Winner!

What is the Purpose of Upward?

The purpose of Upward is to recognize that Every Child Is A Winner by promoting:

• Salvation
  To share the love of Jesus Christ with everyone involved in an Upward ministry.
• Character
  To help every child grow as Jesus did – spiritually, physically, mentally and socially.
• Self-Esteem
  To help every child grow in their understanding and enjoyment of sports.

Why Upward Basketball and Upward Cheerleading?

Upward Basketball and Upward Cheerleading offer a break from the norm. The primary focus of Upward is to develop the Winner in EVERY child, not just a few. By keeping this goal in mind, we are able to build a league that promotes salvation, character, and self-esteem in all who participate through:

• Sportsmanship and competitiveness in proper perspective by not maintaining league standings in any division.
• Maximizing the family schedule by having only one hour of practice and one game each week.
• Equipping coaches and referees to minister by providing extensive teaching tools and resources.
• Providing opportunities to promote other church ministries to all participants and their families.
• Allowing the coach to focus on ministering to children and their families, instead of game strategy, by having a set substitution system where all players are allowed equal playing time and equal opportunity for improvement.
• Encouraging each player with a game day award following every game.
• Maximizing ministry opportunities by exposing players to Scripture-based devotions during each practice and spectators to halftime testimonies each game day.
• Providing opportunities to see changed hearts and lives among children, family members, and volunteers who experience an Upward ministry.
• Building toward a harvest time at Awards Night where participants and parents are given an opportunity to respond to the Gospel.

Currently at First Baptist Church on the Square, we are offering Upward Basketball and Cheerleading.  Signups start September 1, 2008 with an evaluation date set for November 7th and 8th, 2008.  Practices will begin in December and games will start January 10, 2009 with the Awards Night Celebration March 7, 2009.  Click on the logos below and learn all about this exciting new ministry to our church and community!

Upward logos are trademarks of Upward Unlimited. 
Used by permission.