The Sport at the Service of Humanity movement invites faith and sport leaders from diverse traditions world-wide to embody the motto: Live Like You Play.

The movement, launched by the Vatican during the 2016 Global Conference on Faith and Sport, is championed in the United States by the Sport at the Service of Humanity Foundation (SSHF) Board Director, CEO & Executive Director, Philip Leopold.

Now, with encouragement from the Dicastery for Culture and Education, Saint Mary’s College of California and the Sport at the Service of Humanity Foundation have teamed up to further a nationwide higher education initiative, championing character development and care for the whole athlete by advancing the SSH Pillars and Principles. We will do this by providing grants to develop:

Classes and Course Materials
Co-curricular Programs, Speakers, and Workshops
Service Projects

Join us as we work to harness the power of sport as an agent for good in the world!

Who Is Invited?

College professors, coaches, administrators, and staff members who wish to create coursework, co-curricular programs, and athletic department workshops that incorporate the Pillars and Principles of the SSH and champion the use of sport as a vehicle for good in the world.

Why Join Us?

“In today’s world, torn apart by so many divisions, sport remains an area where people are able to meet without barriers…where we can experience the pure joy of playing and competing together to reach a goal; where success can be shared and defeat overcome” (Pope Francis).

We recognize that sport has a significant cultural impact in our world. It can be a vehicle for character development, spiritual growth, community building, and world peace and has the power to bring people of all walks and beliefs together for a common purpose.

SSH Higher education initiative offers educators and coaches the opportunity to contribute to and learn from a diverse community who are dedicated to fostering the virtues of sport and committed to the growth of the whole student. We seek to facilitate, through sport, meaningful encounters between people of all faiths and of no faiths, and to “uphold the beauty and dignity of the human person…without barriers of race, sex, religion, ideology or physical condition” (Pope Francis).

How Do You Sign Up?

A holistic education honors the dignity of the whole person and engages the head, heart, and hands in profound and practical ways. This initiative offers educators, coaches, and staff to Catholic Higher Education, already engaged in and passionate about sport, meaningful and practical ways to serve others through sport.

Apply HERE for a SSH Higher Education grant (Opens March 13th)

Not ready to apply? Sign up HERE to register your interest and join our mailing list.

JoIn the communIty

Visit the Sport at the Service of Humanity Website at Saint Mary’s College (CA)

Questions? Contact Mary Volmer ([email protected]): Mission Fellow for Athletics – Saint Mary’s College of California; SSH Higher Education Initiative Program Director.