By CHAD BONHAM 

SportsLife Wrestling was well represented at the U17 World Wrestling Championships that took place in Athens, Greece, from July 28th through August 3rd. Wrestling Ambassador Tim Hess and his wife Kelly ministered to coaches, athletes, trainers, and family members throughout the week-long event.

Serving in his capacity as the United States Boys Freestyle Team’s chaplain, Hess maximized the opportunity to infuse life into everyone connected to the organization.

“I’m at every practice,” Hess said. “I’m at all the meals with them. We’re on the bus together. I’m at the team meetings. I’m helping them make weight, encouraging them, hanging out with them, talking and doing Bible studies. Sometimes during warm ups, a coach or athlete might ask for prayer in that moment. Sometimes it’s just encouraging the wrestlers after losses. There’s a lot of opportunity.”

Before the tournament started, Hess and his wife went on an excursion with the boys team led by Dan Russell and his non-profit organization Wrestlers For Peace. The group visited the ancient Panathenaic Olympic Stadium and spent time with cancer patients at a Elpida Children’s Hospital

Back at the U17 Championships, Hess’ ministry started with the girls team and head women’s coach Terry Steiner who invited them to engage in meaningful times of ministry.

“After I led a Bible study with the team, I was talking to some coaches and I looked across the room and saw my wife praying with three girl wrestlers in a small circle,” Hess recalled. “Kelly also prayed for one of the girls right before she won her world title match. That touched my heart to see her getting the chance to use her gifts in that setting.”

As the boys tournament began, Hess connected with more past acquaintances including the Bassett family whom he met in Budapest at the Cadet World Championships five years prior. At that event, Bo Bassett won the world title in the 45kg weight group. In Athens, the family was back in support of Bo’s younger brother Keegan who went on to win a world title in the same category.

“It was really special being a part of both world championship experiences,” Hess said.

“That’s an example of how these relationships are built. It’s not just a one time deal. You truly build relationships that last years and years.”

During the week, Hess held two Bible studies with the boys team, prayed with the team daily, prayed with several athletes, coaches, parents, and trainers, and connected with teams from other countries. He also synergized his role as team chaplain and SportsLife Wrestling Ambassador.

“I was able to hone in on those opportunities to mentor leaders,” Hess explained. “I get a lot of access but not as much as a coach or a program director. The whole point is to grow this culture of leadership within the Christian community. So when I can’t be there, there’s somebody else who can fill that role.”

All told, the girls team finished second with two individual championships and seven total medals while the boys team won the team title along with six individual championships and 17 total medals. But for Hess, the ministry that took place and the relationships that continued to develop were the real wins.

“The ministry of presence is a powerful tool,” Hess said.

“The whole point is to grow this culture of Christian leadership within the wrestling community so when I can’t be there, there’s somebody else who can fill that role and ministry can continue.”