ABOUT US

"More than a morning or afternoon of sports, Champions is a way in which God has worked in me and in those who see my example."

Sandino City, Managua, Nicaragua. C.A.

Champions For Jesus is a community project in Ciudad Sandino, Managua, Nicaragua. Ciudad Sandino is a densely populated, urban municipality on the western edge of Managua, the capital city.

It is a poor community: unemployment is high, and many of those who are employed earn minimal wages in jobs in a nearby textile factory or small businesses. Ciudad Sandino has very few spaces and organizations to provide recreational opportunities, which contributes to the area’s high delinquency and substance abuse.

Ciudad Sandino is also the hometown of founder “Mac” Romero, who grew up a few blocks from the community park that Champions uses to host its basketball leagues.

 

 “Growing up, my life was chaotic. As a teenager, basketball became an escape for me. For a few hours, I could immerse myself in the game and forget about my problems. As an adult, I wanted to share this experience with other young people from my neighborhood and use it not only to provide a temporary escape from the turmoil in their hearts but also to introduce them to the eternal solution: a relationship with Jesus Christ.”

Mac Romero.

 

 

Since 2013, Champions For Jesus uses sports to form connections with the youth and children of the community. Our goal is to equip them with skill development in sports, a vision for a bright personal future, character development, an introduction to the person of Jesus Christ. spiritual mentorship, and a supportive faith community.

Champions offers free basketball tournaments for teens and young adults, free basketball lessons and weekly games for children, and spiritual mentorship and equipment for community soccer teams. We challenge our participants to hold themselves to a higher standard of conduct during organized activities and offer discipleship through staff, volunteers, and leaders of local churches. God is using this small ministry to touch many lives with his powerful love.

KLAIMER DUARTE: General Manager, Nicaragua

Klaimer is the local coordinator for Champions For Jesus. When he’s not on the court or running errands to get ready for the next event, he can be found at the Champions office a short walk from the community park. Klaimer loves working for the Lord and says that the kids' activities are the highlight for him.

Community Volunteers Nicaragua

We depend on these wonderful workers for every lesson, game, and special event! Our volunteer team in Ciudad Sandino has some members who have been with us from the beginning and many who participate as availability permits, and we appreciate every person. We cannot thank them enough for their hard work to set up, clean up, plan, organize, teach, mentor, coach, take pictures, contribute web and tech support, and more. You are Champions!

MAC & IRENE ROMERO, Founders, USA

Mac’s long-time dream of a sports ministry in his hometown came to life in 2013. Mac handed on-the-ground responsibilities over to Klaimer when Mac moved to the US in August 2014, and he remains in constant communication to collaboratively direct, plan, problem solve, and keep programs running and growing. Together, Mac and his wife, Irene, strategize, plan, and manage the books, and dream. They are learning to trust and watch as God provides and moves.

Prayer Partners and Team of Givers Nicaragua and USA

You’re part of this team! We are continually touched and humbled by the support of friends who lift up Champions in prayer and contribute materials and financial resources to enable our work to continue. Thank you! Matthew 6:20-21

“But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven…For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

DONATE

Champions depends on donations to continue its community-changing work. Join our Team of Givers by making a one-time or regular monetary donation. Even a small gift makes a big difference for the people we serve.

MATERIALS

You can contribute needed materials! We always need sports equipment, uniforms, athletic shoes, school supplies, Spanish books and Bibles, and more. For a complete list, email championsforjesus.nicaragua@gmail.com

PRAY

One of the most powerful ways you can support us is spending time talking with God about Champions. We invite you to be one of our Prayer Partners and lift our team and participants in prayer every day. It makes a difference!

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