St George Greek Orthodox Youth
Piscataway, NJ
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ATHLETICS
 
Prayer

Lord, Jesus, Christ, we thank you for bringing us together and we ask You to send Your blessings upon us that we may have the strength to make use of our athletic abilities for the good of the game and in the spirit of respectful sportsmanship. Bless us to avoid situations of bad temper and cheating and protect us from injury. Above all, enlighten us to play together as a unified team knowing that whether we win or loose, we represent You and Your Church. Amen

Introduction:

The objective of the GOYA Athletic Program is to promote a Christ-centered experience. As a component of Youth Ministry, GOYA Athletic Programs introduce young people into a viable relationship with Christ and his Church. They foster knowledge of Christian values, fellowship and sportsmanship in conjunction with athleticism. By modeling Christian conduct, a coach, an athletic director and a parent can help GOYANS reflect on the action of God in the events of their lives. We are directed by St. Paul that “every athlete exercises self-control in all things” (I Corinthians 9:24) As such, all advisors, coaches, parents, youth workers and participants are subject to the By-Laws of the New Jersey Diocese Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, the Archdiocesan GOYA Guidelines and these Athletic Guidelines and Regulations.

Goals:

The Greek Orthodox Youth of America (GOYA) was founded as a religious movement for Greek Orthodox teenagers. Its fundamental characteristics are Diakonia (Service), Martyria (Witness), Liturgia (Worship), and Koinonia (Fellowship). Youth Ministry is concerned with the Christ-centered experience of the total person. Therefore, athletics are an important component of Youth Ministry.

The purpose of GOYA Athletics is to provide and promote recreational activity that will lead toward the development of Orthodox Christian ideals in the youth served. GOYA athletics not only promotes good manners and sportsmanship but also reaches for spiritual ideals through these sports.

GOYA Athletics can be an opportunity for young people’s participation in the Church through fellowship, witness, worship and service. It can be an effective influence in the formation of a young person’s Orthodox Christian value system and lifestyle.