Now that the Olympics are finished, people around the world are tuning in to watch the Paralympics, which began earlier this week. Paralympians across the globe are competing to represent their home country and display their talents on one of the biggest international athletic stages. For some players, however, the attention of the world is an unparalleled opportunity to showcase the real reason they have come this far in their athletic careers: Jesus Christ.

Several members of Team USA’s Sitting Volleyball Team consistently pointed back to Christ as they prepared to compete in Tokyo. Kaleo Kanahele Maclay, Jillian Williams and Nicky Nieves are some of the top athletes in their sport but are quick to remind their fans that God is the only reason they have succeeded this far.

Maclay spoke to FCA recently, stating, “For me, my relationship with Jesus grounds me. It reminds me that I am not alone – in life or on the court. I play more confident knowing that God hasn’t made a mistake in me being on this team, and that I am not here by accident but for a purpose. I am praying that people can see God through me at the Games.”

For Williams, FCA has been monumental in her journey as an athlete for Christ. “FCA reminds me that I can be an athlete as well as a Christian AND I can be vocal about both of those things. In the world we live in today, not many athletes talk about their walk with Jesus Christ and sometimes are told they cannot talk about that with their platform. FCA taught me that I could do both, all the time.”

“Having a relationship with Christ goes hand in hand with my performance,” Nieves said. “It's a constant reminder of His grace, how much He has blessed me, and reminds me that it would be dishonorable to not give it my all every time I play. Christ has given me so much opportunity, the biggest being able to play and win a gold medal in Rio. How could I just show up and not give it my all?”

After the disappointment of last year’s Paralympics postponement, it was only natural for many athletes to experience feelings of worry or doubt about how this would affect their training and ultimately their performance in 2021. But those who believe in the hope of Christ know that it is just a step in God’s plan, and these three members of Team USA are a prime example of this trust in the Lord. Their steadfast faith in Christ’s work in their lives is one of the many reasons that FCA is proud to partner with these incredible athletes, and all at FCA pray for them their upcoming competition.

For more about these inspirational Paralympic athletes, as well as other encouraging stories, see FCA in Action.

FCA’s theme for 2021 is Pursue, based on 1 Timothy 6:11: “Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.” FCA encourages its members to pursue God’s use of His Word as an anchor, grounding Christians as they look to His Kingdom.

Since 1956, the impact on coaches and athletes has been the main focus of FCA Camps, with each Camp offering fun, outstanding sports training, inspiring speakers, strong friendships, and lasting change. View the 2019 FCA Camps video here and browse camps by location, sport or date at www.fcacamps.org.

Read more about Fellowship of Christian Athletes here, visit FCA’s website at www.fca.org, its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/TheFCATeam or its Twitter feed https://twitter.com/TheFCATeam.