A former participant once called Sports Camp “the most important sporting event in the world.” Others have described this occasion as “a taste of heaven on earth.” Some may scoff at this claim- until they experience the sportsmanship, bonding, and healing of this event themselves. There is a reason that Sports Camp, despite its humble beginnings, has endured all these years.
Change is inevitable, and within this span of time there have been numerous transitions. We’ve changed sports- gone are the days of volleyball. We’ve adjusted to varying locations- Princeton Theological Seminary in New Jersey, St. Charles Seminary in Philadelphia, and our current home- Neumann University, in Aston, PA. But the one thing that hasn’t changed after all these years is the fellowship, camaraderie, and brotherhood that brings participants, coaches, and priest chaplains returning year after year. As one participant of this year’s Sports Camp stated – “this is the most comfortable I’ve ever felt in my own skin in a group of men.”
Our 25th anniversary yielded fierce competition. Our first game, football, was won by the Dolphins. Despite being drenched after a sudden downpour, the Lions, however, proved victorious later that day in our softball game.
The next day began with soccer. The Dolphins believed they were the underdogs with several strong soccer players on the Lions team, but after serious hustle the Dolphins took the lead.
Pushing through our soreness, we finished our set of sports with basketball. The Lions, knowing a victory could lead to a tiebreaker, came together and proved triumphant. As is the case for many Sports Camps prior- a free throw shoot out was required to determine which team would receive the coveted Harvey Cup. Each team, in a single-file line, takes turns sending a team member to attempt a free throw basket, followed by a member of the opposing team- no pressure there! By just one basket, the Lions earned the title as champions of Sports Camp XXV.
After working up a serious appetite, the festivities of the evening did not disappoint- including a reception/happy hour with catered hors d’oeuvres followed by a buffet-style dinner.
Participants were offered a heartfelt and humorous talk about the origins of Sports Camp from one of its founders. Current and former directors of Sports Camp shared their own stories and memories with the group. In addition, former Executive Director of Courage, Fr. Paul Check, contributed an inspiring video message congratulating Sports Camp on its 25th Anniversary. The night ended with a celebration of our time together with a formal party. Complete with karaoke, it was this time our vocal chords, not our muscles, that were put to work!
While team mates certainly played hard, they also prayed hard. Daily Mass, morning and evening prayer, and Confessions were offered throughout the weekend to foster bonding with the true VIP- Jesus Christ.
For each game in Sports Camp, coaches present medals to each member of the winning team saying, “through your perseverance, you are victorious.” Let’s pray for each other- members, chaplains, and friends of the Courage/Encourage Apostolate, that we may keep fighting the good fight and hear these same words by our Heavenly Father. Here’s to 25 years of Sports Camp, and God-willing, 25 more!
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Brian R. is a 36 year old in the Washington, DC area who works as a hospice nurse. He has been involved with Courage since 2018 and is active in the Baltimore, Washington, and Arlington chapters. He loves outdoor activities with friends, coffee and a good book, and quiet time in front of the Blessed Sacrament.
The opinions and experiences expressed in each blog entry in “The Upper Room” belong solely to the original authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of Courage International, Inc. Some entries have been edited for length and clarity.