Phoenix-based Identity Sports provides safe, uplifting content for kids and aims to reach millions of sports fans and athletes by sharing the message of faith. Here, Zach Vogel, executive director, shares the nonprofit’s goals for the remainder of 2024, its upcoming fundraisers, and how readers can help.
What prompted the start of the nonprofit? Every kid has a sports hero they look up to. They idolize and model their game after them. We wanted to provide a positive outlet for kids to see their favorite athletes in a different light. Sharing the stories of hope and overcoming adversity while finding their true identities in Christ. I wanted to be a major league baseball player. When I had an injury, I was told I could never play again. I was depressed and anxious. I didn’t know who I was outside of the sport. Oftentimes an athlete’s whole identity is wrapped up in the sport. When they lose the sport, they’re left with nothing. Identity in Christ is always hope and strength. It is unshakable. Identity Sports is the organization that I wish I had as a kid to help in my time of need.
What is the greatest reward in being involved with Identity Sports? Seeing the smile on not only the kids’ faces interacting with the content and athletes, but the thankfulness from the parents for having safe and uplifting content for their kids. The internet can be a dark place, as a parent, it is rewarding to know we are providing a place for kids and families to connect over stories of faith and sport.
What is the biggest challenge the nonprofit faces? The biggest challenge is continuing the rebranding of the organization from Tales From The Tour to Identity Sports (launched October 2024). Many guests have known us as the Tales From The Tour and Dugout event since 2006, but continuing to reinforce the launch of the digital arm of the ministry and the expansion beyond golf and baseball through Identity Sports is our hurdle.
What are your goals for the remainder of the year? The goal for the remainder of the year is to continue expanding our reach globally through our social media content and the expansion of our podcast. We have currently surpassed over 4.5 million views across our social channels since November of last year and are looking to exceed over 6 million views by the end of the year.
How can readers help? Each event and piece of content we host is free to everyone. We want to remove barriers to people being encouraged and hearing the Gospel through these athletes’ testimonies. This comes as a significant price to the organization. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation and joining us in our mission to share the uplifting message of Jesus Christ through these athletes testimonies.
Does the nonprofit have any events or fundraisers on the horizon? We are hosting a golf tournament fundraiser on Nov. 18 at the Arizona Biltmore Golf Club to help us raise funds to continue this work. We have events on the horizon starting again next year. We will have additional events added but currently the one confirmed with the date is Tales From The Tour on Feb. 3. But we also host an annual Tales From The Dugout event in Phoenix at the start of Cactus League Play.