Sporting events provide an incredible platform to advocate for a larger purpose. Whether athletes raise awareness about a cause they support, pray publicly or demonstrate God’s love after winning or losing, they can connect with fans on a deeper level.
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Sports Spectrum is known for sharing uplifting messages — it’s where sports and faith connect. Through sports evangelism, community engagement and safe water projects, our friends at Water Mission add another element to our collective Kingdom impact. Water Mission serves our global neighbors by fighting the global water crisis that impacts 2.2 billion people.
“If you think about playing or watching a sport, it’s something that brings joy — even in the middle of issues we all face,” shares Mary Howell, Water Mission’s community engagement manager. “Whether it’s the pandemic, health issues, political issues or the global water crisis, sports are an outlet for joy.”
(Photo courtesy of Water Mission)
Reaching A New Audience
In early March, Water Mission was the featured nonprofit at a South Carolina Stingrays game in North Charleston, South Carolina. The Stingrays are a professional minor league ice hockey team known for giving back. They invited Water Mission to use the Stingrays’ platform to share about its flagship event, the Walk for Water.
“The game opened us up to a totally new audience,” Howell says. “There were people there that are involved in Charleston but have not heard of Water Mission or aren’t familiar with the global water crisis. This was a great way to open the door.”
The Water Mission team spent the evening connecting with fans at its booth, giving away Walk for Water gear and inviting them to sign up for the Walk itself. This was the first time Water Mission had been featured at a Stingrays game and, Howell says, “hopefully not the last.”
“Many of us have the opportunity to enjoy sporting events,” Howell shares. “Something I encourage people to consider is that while we attend such activities, individuals are losing their lives from not having access to safe water. We can band together and give back.”
(Photo courtesy of Water Mission)
Walking for Water
Water Mission is a Christian engineering nonprofit committed to providing safe water and sharing the Living Water message of Jesus Christ.
The safe water charity hosts community events around the world to share the importance of safe water, sanitation and hygiene solutions. On March 26, 2022, Water Mission hosted its annual event, the Walk for Water. Nearly 4,000 walkers participated, raising more than $450,000 to help end the global water crisis.
“Every 37 seconds, someone loses their life because they lack access to safe water,” Howell says. “It’s a devastating statistic that many don’t realize is plaguing our world.”
Getting Involved
Those passionate about raising awareness don’t have to live in the Charleston area to make an impact. Through Water Mission’s community engagement initiatives, people can advocate for men, women and children in need — from wherever they live.
Whether that means sharing Water Mission’s posts on social media or hosting a Walk for Water in their own community, anyone can use their platform to make a difference.
“It’s incredible to look at what the Lord does in our lives and the gifts He gives us. He provides opportunities to work together and bring people safe water,” Howell says. “It is such a beautiful source of joy.”
To learn more about getting involved with Water Mission, visit walkforwater.com or email walk@watermission.org.
Acadia Munari is a freelance writer for Water Mission.
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