Imagine having a talent and hunger for athletics but struggling against hunger, poverty, or mental health issues. In those moments, some will remember the words found in Matthew 25:40, “… whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” It is in that spirit that The Firm For Men helped send some 50 athletes to summer sports camps this year.
FCA
Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) is a non-profit dedicated to transforming our world through the teachings of Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes. The group applies Christian principles to practical solutions, helping to nurture athleticism in all communities.
The local FCA chapter, Coastal Virginia FCA, reaches more than 30 public and private high school campuses and over 100 recreational and club teams. The objective is to engage and minister to athletic coaches and athletes, so that they can then minister to their peers.
EMU
FCA operates a summer athletics camp at Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) in Harrisonburg. For the June 26-30 session of 2022, the Coastal Virginia FCA set a lofty goal of sending more than 70 athletes to hone their skills and study the Gospel.
These student-athletes come from every walk of life, with many struggling against long odds:
- Suicidal thoughts
- Poverty—some camp attendees said the camp was the first time they ever had three meals a day
- Mental health issues for athletes and their family members
- A paucity of training equipment and clothing
Most—more than 50—of the 73 athletes from Coastal Virginia needed partial or full scholarships to afford the EMU athletic camp. Fortunately, generous area businesses stepped up to lend a helping hand.
The Firm For Men’s Sponsorship
The Firm For Men helped sponsor more than fifty deserving student-athletes to attend the FCA summer camp at EMU. That sponsorship gave these young people hope, training, and support in their academic, spiritual, and personal struggles. By the numbers, the sponsorships helped provide for:
- 73 athletes from Coastal Virginia to attend
- 2 Charter buses to shepherd everyone to and from EMU
- 9 College huddle leaders
- 8 coaches and families
- 3 FCA Staff
Why would The Firm For Men—a law practice dedicated to protecting the rights of Virginia’s men in all aspects of family law—step up to help these disadvantaged but talented athletes?
The Firm For Men has a long history of sponsoring local and regional causes, notably with golf tournaments and Maddie Ryan Racing. It is in our blood to be part of this fine Virginia Beach community.
But that is not why we helped Coastal Virginia FCA.
We can think of no more worthy a goal than to protect and nurture Virginia’s children—young men and young women—so that they grow to be strong, confident, spiritual adults.
We are proud to help Coastal Virginia FCA in their mission, and we are especially proud of the 50+ area athletes whose lives we have touched.