Click Here to Download the Information Packet & Application Form
Sports Reach is a Christian sports ministry that is based in Kentucky that has for its purpose using sports to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This ministry was started in 1986 by Robby Speer and Larry Pursiful, former University of Kentucky basketball star. Since 1986, Sports Reach has ventured into almost 37 countries on 5 continents.
Who We Are Looking For
- We are looking for young men that are followers of Christ that want to grow in their faith. We do realize that each player may be at a different point in their spiritual journey. However, this is the type of trip that is designed to help you get moving in the direction that will help you grow to be all that God has created you to be.
- We are looking for young men that will be willing to play the game of basketball in the manner that matters. We do play to win and each player will have plenty of opportunity to play. But, with as many games as we play, all of the players do matter. We must come together in a quick fashion to play unselfish, hard, winning basketball.
- We are looking for young men that want to be challenged by seeing and experiencing a different culture and country. Things will not be like “back home.” They are different and therefore provide an opportunity for you to expand who you are.
Leadership
Andrew Hammond, Associate Director of Sports Reach will be the team leader along with James Morrison and some of your Stars Basketball Club coaches.
Trip Details
WHEN: July 23-August 1, 2026
WHERE: Brazil. We will be in various cities across the nation of Brazil. São Paulo, Campinas, Valinhos, Praia Grande, Mongagua, Santos, and Rio de Janeiro.
WHAT: We will have an opportunity to play basketball against various teams around the country. We will play 5-6 games. We will also lead some basketball clinics for kids, visit some churches, serve with some missionaries on the ground, and site see around the country.
PURPOSE: Our stated purpose is a cultural exchange. We will have a chance to see Brazilian culture and what is important to them and be able to share what is important to us. We will be used to open many doors for other ministries as well as have chances to share, verbally and by action, what Jesus means in our lives.
COST: Asking that each player come up with $3600. Includes all travel from Nashville, TN. In Brazil, lodging, meals, sightseeing, and apparel, will be provided. Must have your own passport. – This cost of airfare from Nashville and a few other cities is based on the fee locked in by the deposit that we have already made. Airfare money must be paid by June 1 or there can be an increase in travel cost which will be paid by participants. Players choosing to fly out of different cities will cover the increase, if there is any. We are working to have other select cities work as hub cities, which will be at the same cost. Players must get to one of these cities at their own expense. We will help provide a sample fundraising letter that can be used.
NOTE: Airlines have seats with more leg room that are available for purchase. They run on avg. $50-250, each flight, for the international portion. That is what we have been told. Could vary. If you are interested in this, please let us know and we will check into this for you. You will be responsible for the extra cost.
ITINERARY: We are working on our flights now to help accommodate the various beginning sights. Most Nashville to Brazil flights leave around mid afternoon to early evening, connect in Houston, Dallas, Dulles, Miami, or Atlanta and arrive in Belize City between 11am-2pm local time.
DEADLINES: Application deadline is June 1, 2026. The total cost of the trip/remaining balance is due by June 24, 2026.
BASIC PLANNED SCHEDULE FOR THE TRIP
- 7/23 Depart US through Miami, Dallas, Atlanta, or Houston
- 7/24 Arrive in Sao Paulo, Brazil
- 7/24-7/31 Play various clubs in and around Sao Paulo, Brazil, attend a local church on Sunday, travel to Praia Grande, Brazil to stay and play. Tour the Neymar Institute in his hometown. Travel to Rio de Janeiro to play and see Copacabana Beach, Sugar Loaf Mountain, and the Christ the Redeemer Statue.
- 7/31 site see, souvenir shop, and fly home to the US from Rio de Janeiro overnight arriving in the US early in the morning on Saturday 8/1 then connecting on to Nashville and likely arriving between 9am-11am at BNA.
SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT: Each player on this trip is usually at a different point in their lives spiritually. That is fine, but our goal is for you to be much stronger in your faith and walk with Jesus than when you left. It is important that we demonstrate at all times what it means to live a Christian life. The way that you respond on and off the court says a lot. People do understand what your actions are saying. Our Bible study time is very important. There is strong emphasis put on each player. We want you to have such a great experience on this trip that you will not leave as the same person that began the journey.
BASKETBALL: This is a trip that will challenge you. Playing a lot of games in a short time will make you push yourself. This is an opportunity for you to just relax and play. Everyone gets plenty of time playing. But you must understand that we do play to win and every game is a different game. It is important to come with the attitude that you are making a quick transition into a team. We are counting on the fact that you are the kind of player that is willing to do whatever it takes to help his team win. You may be called on to do some things that will be outside of your comfort zone, but this will help develop you game.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN GOING, PLEASE COMMUNICATE WITH JAMES MORRISON FROM THE STARS BASKETBALL CLUB: JMorrison@starsbasketballclub.com
YOU CAN ALSO CONTACT Andrew Hammond at (270)779-3896 or andrew@sportsreach.org
Some Former Players
Here are some of the players that have traveled with Sports Reach.
- Victor Oladipo, Miami Heat, Indiana Univ.*
- Garrett Temple, Toronto Raptors, LSU*
- Elfird Payton, New Orleans Pelicans, Univ. of Louisiana*
- Cameron Payne, Philadelphia 76ers, Murray St. *
- Josh Harrellson, University of Kentucky**
- Peyton Siva, Univ. of Louisville**
- Xavier Silas, played with Philadelphia 76ers, Univ. of No. Illinois
- Joe Alexander, played with Milwaukee Bucks, Univ. of West Virginia
- Derrick Byars, played with Philadelphia 76ers, Vanderbilt
- Shane Foster, drafted by Dallas Mavs, Vanderbilt
- Jordan Hulls, Indiana University
- Jon Hood, Univ. of Kentucky
- Lee Humphrey, Univ. of Florida
- Austin Hollins, Univ. of Minnesota
- Dominique Hawkins, Univ of Kentucky
- Todd Abernethy, Ole Miss
- Demetrius McCamey, Univ. of Illinois
- Ravi Moss, Univ. of Kentucky
- Lance Ware, Univ of Kentucky
- Tolu Smith, WKU/Mississippi St
- Taveion Kinsey, Marshall
- Jelly Walker, UAB
- Micah Handlogten, Marshall/Florida
- Dylan Cardwell, Auburn
