In the spring of 1965 I was on my way to California to decide if I should play pro football. As I read a book by J. Edwin Orr he told a story of a boy who got his hand stuck in his father’s antique vase. Just as those around prepared to break the vase to free the boy’s hand he said, “Can I let go of these marbles I’m holding in my hand?” Only when the boy let go of the marbles could he pull his hand free. This illustrates how one hangs onto his own plan versus God’s perfect and beautiful plan for that life.

That day as I walked on a side street in Huntington Beach I said, “Lord, I’ll give up my dream of playing pro football. I want to serve You and do whatever You want.” At that moment God gave me very clear vision to start Athletes in Action. I was to go ahead and sign with the Los Angeles Rams, but more importantly God wanted me to develop a ministry to athletes that someday would touch the whole world. I had no idea how this would come together or look, but I knew it was from God.

Unsure of what God had in store, I signed with the LA Rams and was injured during training camp. It was in the fall of 1965 that I launched AIA and through a remarkable set of events, what was once a vision soon became a reality.

                                                                        -Dave Hannah, Founder, Athletes in Action

It’s amazing, really, that God could use something as silly as an orange, rubber ball, a piece of pigskin or a wrestling mat to make people more aware of His saving grace through His Son Jesus.

But that’s just what Athletes in Action does and has been doing for the past 40 years. This year marks the 40th anniversary of Athletes in Action, a ministry that began in 1966 after Dave Hannah first caught the vision of using sport to eternally change lives.

A former football player at Oklahoma State University, Hannah first launched AIA by organizing a wrestling team for outreach ministry in Japan. Above, you read the vision of how AIA came to be. By clicking the link below you will see a timeline that depicts important dates in AIA’s history from that very beginning to today.

Click here to view a timeline of Athletes in Action's history.

Thoughts from Vonette Bright & Steve Douglass

Congratulations on your 40th year of ministry.  The year of 1966 was a real expansion year for Campus Crusade for Christ, and AIA started the ball rolling as a new beginning.  You have been innovative in focusing on and equipping Christian athletes to have a platform to share their faith. 

Bill and I, from the very beginning, were excited when Dave Hannah came to share his vision for a ministry to athletes. We have been thrilled time and time again, as we have observed AIA maximizing opportunities for athletes to know Christ personally and experience spiritual growth. You have worldwide recognition as a valid and credible organization that can be trusted and admired. May the first 40 years be just the beginning of greater outreach as you present the message of God’s love and forgiveness.  You can be sure that I pray with you and for you. I am in your #1 cheering section. 

                                                     -Vonette Bright, Co-founder, Campus Crusade for Christ 

 “Since its inception 40 years ago, Athletes in Action has trusted God to see  success in communicating the gospel—first to the college athlete, then on to  the pro athlete. Today they engage in that around the world.   I'm always excited to hear of AIA's efforts. They are very important in helping  to develop spiritual movements everywhere so that everyone knows someone  who truly follows Jesus."

                               -Steve Douglass, President, Campus Crusade for Christ