what is aia?

Athletes in Action was founded in 1966 by David Hannah, who desired to build on society's great love of sports and utilize the platform given to the athletes to reach the world for Jesus Christ.


Since then, Athletes in Action has sought to be a global pioneer, innovator, and servant leader in sport ministry. As a branch of Campus Crusade for Christ, AIA exists to bring Jesus Christ and His message of victory into the hearts, homes, and communities of millions around the world.


As of 2010, AIA has a ministry presence in 85 countries, on nearly 100 U.S. college campuses, and on 35 U.S. professional sports teams. Every summer AIA sends teams of college athletes in multiple sports to compete overseas, grow their individual faith, and spread the message of Jesus Christ. AIA's media tools and materials expose millions of sports fans to the good news each year. Countless volunteers, thousands of athletes, and more than 500 staff members stand together to share one message: Life's greatest victory is found in a relationship with Jesus Christ.


Athletes in Action is a ministry of Cru, formerly Campus Crusade for Christ.

aia headquarters

Athletes in Action is an international sports ministry focused on the spiritual development of athletes. Founded in 1966 as a division of Cru Ministries, Athletes in Action strives to see a Christ-follower of character on every team, in every sport, in every nation.


In order to better accomplish this vision, Athletes in Action moved their global headquarters (the AIA World Training & Resource Center) to Xenia, Ohio in 2002. This 250-acre location (now called the “Legacy Campus”) had previously served as The Ohio Soldiers & Sailors Orphan Home dating back to the Civil War era. The move gave Athletes in Action the opportunity to host groups from across the country and around the world through their Conference & Retreat Center.


In order to provide a central location to train their competitive traveling teams, Athletes in Action set out to construct one of the largest multi-sport synthetic turf projects in the United States. In 2006, Athletes in Action installed seven turf sports fields at the headquarters campus to better help those impacted by sport grow athletically, mentally and spiritually.