Serving highly competitive action sports athletes

What are the needs of professional action sports athletes?

Surprisingly very few action sports people actually compete against others. I found they are usually competing against themselves or nature. But those who do compete in the more formal sense have the same needs as competitors in other sports. Typically, they measure their worth by their result and need reminding and reassurance in God's eyes that they are valued because of who they are, not what they achieve.

Many athletes are idolized by others in the culture. I learned they need friends who are not 'fans' and are unaffected by their fame. Athletes who are sponsored usually feel that everyone wants something from them, so it’s best to always be there for them, with nothing in return. This makes a significant difference.

Action sports typically have little money compared to mainstream pro-sports, so many athletes are struggling to make enough money to live. They continue to compete because of their passion for the sport, the lifestyle, and others in the community. I find it helpful to pray and look for ways to serve them. This might mean providing practical assistance with travel, accommodation, and family expenses as the Lord leads you to be generous.

Scripture to ponder –Romans 5:8

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Key Lesson: Love athletes unconditionally to meet the competitor’s conditional self-worth.