Indianapolis, USA -- 2002 submitted by John Byers

For nearly three hundred children, the recently concluded Indianapolis KidsGames was almost like being in the Olympics. They paraded into Kuntz Soccer Stadium, the venue for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, with a band playing; flags flying; mascots cavorting; balloons floating; a cauldron burning and celebrities and entertainers performing. They proudly stood on award stands at the IUPUI Track Stadium, the venue for Competition Day, as bronze; silver and gold medals were hung around their necks for winning competition events. They made new friends; memorized scripture; learned from Christian adults and teens; and had an experience they probably will remember for the rest of their lives. 

Nine Indianapolis churches and organizations partnered together to plan and conduct the two-week, bible based, sports and games focused program. Kids went daily to one of four sites where they learned lessons from an experiential learning curriculum based on the life of Joseph of the Old Testament.

 Although new to Indianapolis and to most cities in the United States, thousands of children in Egypt, Africa, India, Australia and a host of other countries have participated in KidsGames over the past two years. When a city decides to undertake a KidsGames outreach (generally two years prior to the actual event) an organizing committee of representatives from the participating churches and organizations begins the preparation and planning process. But, the unique thing about KidsGames is that Christ’s church around the world works together to help one another to be successful. The Indianapolis Committee benefited greatly from lessons learned; materials produced; and programs planned by other cities. And we now are sharing with other city committees as they plan their KidsGames. An amazing global network is developing to communicate, plan and share resources. Isn’t that how the Church is supposed to work?  

KidsGames sites and participating churches and organizations in Indianapolis were:       Mapleton-Fall Creek Site at Tabernacle Presbyterian Church Tabernacle Presbyterian St. Christopher Center Meridian-Kessler Site at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church St. Joan of Arc Martin Luther King Center Near Eastside Site at Shepherd Community Shepherd Community Mount Pleasant Christian Church Oasis of Hope Site at Oasis of Hope Baptist Church Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Midtown Vineyard and Church at the Crossing had representatives on the Central Organizing Committee.

At the Closing Ceremony on June 22^nd as the 2002 KidsGames flag was lowered, the 2004 flag was raised, signaling the beginning of preparations for a hopefully bigger and better Indianapolis KidsGames in the summer of 2004. Individuals or organizations wishing to learn more about involvement in KidsGames may contact John Byers at Tabernacle Recreation. (926-9426)

Visit...   TheKidsGames.com

Indianapolis Organizing Committee -- 2002

John Byers, Chairman
Amy Kerr
Chris Montgomery
Corrine Wheeler
Emilie Balliett
Gina Lewis
Kyle Jackson
Linda McCabe
Martha Blue
Mary Beth Jackson
Maurica Leslie
Monica Amponsah
O'Rob Childs
Paula Hartzer
Rich Green
Richard Siems
Richard Wiehe
Stephania Mozee
Tim Broyles

Congratulations Kids & Organizers -- Good Job !!!

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