Since 1966.
Sixty years of walking with athletes, from one wrestling team to Christ-followers on teams in 90+ countries.
The world would listen to athletes.
In 1966, God used a young married couple, Dave and Elaine Hannah, to launch Athletes in Action. They were surrendered to His Lordship, filled with faith and the Holy Spirit, and convinced that the world would listen to athletes and coaches tell the story of Jesus. Dave’s first call for advice on basketball went to UCLA coach John Wooden, who helped shape AIA from the start.
Beginning with wrestling, and then adding basketball, baseball, soccer, track and field, and volleyball, AIA has been building total athletes through high-level competition, spiritual mentorship and training for a lifetime of purpose and mission.
Sixty years, one mission.
It starts with a vision
God uses a young married couple, Dave and Elaine Hannah, to launch Athletes in Action. Dave’s first call for advice on basketball goes to UCLA coach John Wooden. The first wrestling team comes together, and AIA basketball is formed. In 1971, AIA wins the National Wrestling Federation Freestyle Championship.
Gold on the world stage
AIA’s athletic Principles are created. Staff members John Peterson and Gene Davis win gold and bronze medals at the 1976 Olympics, and in 1977 the AIA basketball team upsets No. 1-ranked San Francisco.
From Tehran to Europe
AIA represents the United States at the Aryamehr Cup in Tehran, one of the premier wrestling tournaments in the world. Five wrestlers from the trip, with their families and teammates, move to Europe to serve full time and help establish AIA in several countries.
Teams across the globe
AIA sends teams internationally in baseball, soccer, track and field, men’s and women’s basketball and women’s volleyball.
Growing on campus
AIA’s women’s campus ministry begins, and the first Ultimate Training Camp is held in Fort Collins, Colo.
Big stages
The first Super Bowl Breakfast is held in San Diego, becoming NFL sanctioned in 1992. AIA leads its first official chaplaincy at the Seoul Olympics, and Wendel Deyo becomes president.
Telling the story
AIA produces its first media tool, Joe Gibbs: Fourth and One, and the SportLINC ministry begins.
A new home in Xenia
AIA moves its headquarters to Xenia, Ohio. The Coach John Wooden “Keys to Life” Award begins at the Legends of the Hardwood Breakfast.
Building the campus
Four dormitories and the Browne Family Retreat Center are completed in 2006, and the Sports Complex is established.
Reaching the world
AIA produces The Prize: Chasing the Dream for the World Cup in South Africa. In 2012, the Super Bowl Breakfast marks its 25th year.
Fifty years
AIA celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2016.
The John Wooden Family Fieldhouse opens
In June 2024, AIA opens the John Wooden Family Fieldhouse on its Xenia campus, the final phase of the Sports Complex, with up to four courts and a championship court that seats 1,200.
Every team, every sport, every nation
AIA serves on more than 200 college campuses and in 90+ countries, trusting God for 50,000 equipped athletes and coaches by 2030.
Athletes in Action: An Introduction.
Two and a half minutes on who we are and why we do what we do.
Where sport’s biggest stages meet faith.
Super Bowl Breakfast
Since 1988, held in the Super Bowl host city. Home of the Bart Starr Award.
Legends of the Hardwood Breakfast
During the NCAA Men’s Final Four. Home of the Coach Wooden “Keys to Life” Award.
All-Star Breakfast
During NBA All-Star week, honoring players for leadership, character and integrity.
Night of Champions
At AIA headquarters in Xenia, with inductions into the AIA Hall of Faith.
Faces and moments.
50,000 equipped athletes and coaches by 2030.
We are trusting God to see a Christ-follower on every team, in every sport and in every nation.
Faithful with every gift.
Athletes in Action is a ministry of Cru®, a charter member of the ECFA and a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Gifts are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
Financial statements and stewardship commitments from Cru, AIA’s parent ministry.
A look back at AIA’s first 50 years, kept as a piece of history.
Be part of the next chapter.
When you reach athletes, you reach the world.
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