Adventist School in Northern Colombia Shares Faith Through Basketball
The boys’ youth basketball team from the South Adventist School celebrates its municipal championship after qualifying for the metropolitan phase of the Intercollegiate Games in Antioquia, Colombia, on May 19, 2026. [Photo: South Adventist School]
May 28, 2026 | Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia | Cristin Serrano, UCN and IAD News Staff
The basketball team from the South Adventist School, located in Itagüí, a municipality in Antioquia in northern Colombia, was crowned champion of the Boys’ Youth Basketball Championship, thus securing qualification for the metropolitan phase of the Intercollegiate Games, where it will officially represent the municipality.
The municipal final took place on Tuesday, May 19, at the Basketball Coliseum of the Itagüí Sports Complex, where the Adventist team achieved a convincing 64–37 victory.
Amid applause and excitement from students, coaches, and families in attendance, the young athletes celebrated the triumph that secured their advancement to the next phase of the competition, which will begin on July 14.
A player from South Adventist School prepares to score during a Boys’ Youth Basketball Championship game at the Itagüí Sports Complex in Antioquia, Colombia. [Photo: South Adventist School]
The sporting achievement carries even greater significance because the Full Sport Cads club was created in March of this year as an initiative of the South Adventist School (Colegio Adventista del Sur) to promote physical, social, and spiritual development among children and youth.
The boys’ youth team is made up of 11 students between the ages of 11 and 17, several of whom already participate in high-level sports development programs, including members of the Antioquia Selection Team and youth connected to Colombia national team development processes.
The sports initiative also receives support from coach Juan David, who oversees the team’s technical preparation and has contributed to the players’ competitive growth.
“For us, it has been a blessing to see how these young people have grown not only in sports, but also as individuals,” expressed Ronnie Espinoza, teacher of physical education, recreation, and sports at the South Adventist School.
Members of Full Sport Cats pose with their medals and trophy after being crowned municipal champions in Itagüí, Antioquia, Colombia. [Photo: South Adventist School]
Faith Accompanies Every Game
Beyond the competitive results, the sports project seeks to strengthen Christian values and provide spiritual support to students, expressed Luis Miguel Doria, the institution’s chaplain.
Before each game, players and coaches participate in moments of prayer and reflection, often accompanied by the institutional chaplain, Doria explained.
“We not only want to train athletes, but also young people with principles and purpose. The court has also become a place to share faith, values, and hope,” Espinoza affirmed.
Although many of the players are not members of the Adventist Church, several students have expressed being positively impacted by the spiritual environment and support they have experienced during the competitions, he said.
Students, coaches, and the school community celebrate with the South Adventist School basketball team after qualifying for the Metropolitan Phase in Antioquia, Colombia. [Photo: South Adventist School]
Currently, the sports club operates through the combined efforts of teachers, coaches, and parents, who sustain the project with their own resources while continuing to expand opportunities for more young people in the community, Espinoza said.
The institution hopes to continue strengthening the program and opening new opportunities for athletic and academic development, including future scholarship possibilities for homeschool students.
“We want every young person to understand that God can also use sports to transform lives,” Espinoza concluded.
Espinoza said the school will continue creating spaces where young people can develop their talents while strengthening values, discipline, and Christian principles that impact lives both on and off the court.