More than 600 people gathered at the Vancouver Convention Centre for Athletes in Action’s annual Grey Cup breakfast, an event that featured powerful testimonies from CFL athletes and coaches about their struggles and faith.
The event, which has become a hallmark of the Grey Cup celebrations, featured stories from CFL athletes and coaches who shared candidly about the challenges they’ve faced both on and off the field.
Darren Young, President of Power to Change which is the parent ministry of Athletes in Action, described the atmosphere as “so beautifully unexpected.”
Related Stories:
- Faith on the field: Bombers chaplain's mission at the Grey Cup
- Jesus at the centre: Jets & Bombers share testimonies of faith at sold-out event
- A season of play and purpose: Athletes in Action camps engage over 1,000 kids ▶️
- PRAY: Sea Bears' Chad Posthumus in critical condtion after brain surgery
Guests arrived anticipating a celebration of Canadian football, complete with opportunities to meet players, hear from coaches, and even take photos with the Grey Cup. However, the heart of the event unfolded as athletes opened up about struggles such as addiction, feelings of abandonment, and the emotional toll of setbacks in their careers.
“What happened in the room…you could have heard a pin drop,” Young shared in a post-event message. “These athletes and coaches shared stories of discovering the love of Christ through their challenges.”
At the culmination of the breakfast, attendees were invited to embrace faith for themselves. Over 30 individuals responded by raising their hands to accept Christ, a number Young believes could be even higher.
“This morning was unbelievably beautiful,” Young said, expressing gratitude to those who support the ministry. He also emphasized the importance of prayer for those who made faith commitments, asking that the seeds planted during the event grow and flourish in their spiritual journeys.
Power to Change and Athletes in Action are now focused on connecting these individuals to faith communities where they can continue to grow in their relationship with Christ. Young closed his remarks with a heartfelt thank-you to supporters, crediting their contributions for making moments like this possible.
A Call to Prayer
The organization is asking for prayers for the staff and volunteers involved in this ministry and for the individuals who responded to the gospel message, that they may find encouragement and support as they take their next steps in faith.