SOYO Basketball Tournament 2024

Several SOYO teens of St. Peter joined the almost 300 in attendance from across the Diocese of Wichita and Mid-America in Oklahoma City from October 4-6. The event was hosted at St. Elijah Antiochian Orthodox Church as we gathered for times of prayer, speaking sessions, good food, fellowship, basketball, and Divine Liturgy. 

There were about 18 basketball teams on the bracket competing toward tournament champions. Along with watching basketball games, our group also participated in volleyball, piano playing, board games, jigsaw puzzles, pool, and ping pong. The prayer services were beautiful and healing, and the speaking sessions were engaging, edifying, and inspiring. 

Even though the weekend is called a “Basketball Tournament”, the group is continually reminded why we are there… to draw closer to our Lord. The games are opportunities to practice Our Lord’s commandments. The prayer services and speaking sessions throughout the weekend are a priority for the youth to attend. This year's guest speaker was Gigi Hadid, presenting on the topic of: “The Spiritual Athlete… the Struggle is Real.” Among the discussions, we talked about how athletic concepts such as  discipline, perseverance, practice, repetition, endurance, and teamwork also relate to a Christian life. We looked at several athletes that give God glory in their lives and athletic arenas, as well as how the saints are our exemplars for being a spiritual athlete.

We thank the Lord for this opportunity to draw closer to Him through fellowship with teens throughout our diocese!

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

~ 2 Timothy 4:7