Fellowship of Christian Athletes

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is a not-for-profit evangelical Christian organization that has been based in Kansas City, Missouri since 1956. Members are encouraged to be athletes but are not required to be.

Founded in 1954, FCA is the largest interdenominational school-based sports organization in the United States.^{[citation needed]} An early supporter and underwriter of FCA was Major League Baseball executive Branch Rickey.^{[citation needed]}

A religious 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 paid employees.

The organization's headquarters are located across Interstate 70 from the Truman Sports Complex, where the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals play their home games.

Awards

The National Bobby Bowden Award

In 2003 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, in the classroom and for his conduct as a "faith model" in the community. 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:

• 2003: Jason Wright, Northwestern University, Signed by San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted rookie
• 2004: Billy Bajema, Oklahoma State University, Drafted by San Francisco 49ers
• 2005: D.J. Shockley, University of Georgia, Drafted by Atlanta Falcons
• 2006: Carl Pendleton, University of Oklahoma
• 2007: Jacob Tamme, University of Kentucky, Drafted by the Indianapolis Colts
• 2008: Stephen McGee, Texas A&M University, Drafted by the Dallas Cowboys

Camps

Every summer for several years, the FCA has held 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 and former NFL player Harry Flaherty.^{[citation needed]} The FCA camps feature sport practices and conditioning as well as daily chapels and huddles.

See also

• Athletes in Action

External links

• http://www.fca.org/
• http://www.techfca.com/
• http://fca.webclickgo.com/
• http://www.fcacamps.org
• http://www.sharingthevictory.com/

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