The Ridley Award for Elite Sport Christian Mentoring
Class of 2024-2026
Who is offering the course?
Ridley Hall, a seminary in the Anglican tradition in Cambridge, England. It is also a member of the Cambridge Theological Federation, a partnership of local Anglican, Methodist, Orthodox, Reformed, and Roman Catholic theological institutions. Ridley students pursue a variety of degrees accredited through both Durham and Cambridge Universities. A Ridley Award is a non-degree certificate course offered by the college which draws on training expertise in the Cambridge area and globally.
What is the course’s purpose?
To train non-competing Olympians to be Christian mentors to currently competing Olympic athletes and coaches.
What is covered?
The Bible, including on overview of both the Old and New Testaments, as well as reading through key books for people of Sport (Genesis, Psalms, Mark, Romans and Philippians), and how to lead a bible study; the Psychology and Theology of Competition and Identity; Sport Ethics; Pastoral Care, including basic counseling skills; the History of Christian support at the Olympics; World Religions; and how to be a qualified first responder for emotional support in the event of a terrorist incident.
What is the format?
The course combines an annual in-person retreat in October with five monthly four-hour zoom sessions (November, January-April) over a two-year period.
What will the participants be expected to do?
- Attend each of the two annual retreats.
- To prepare for each zoom meeting. Since each monthly session will cover two topics, participants will be expected to:
- Read the monthly course handouts and listen to six hours of pre-recorded lectures which can be watched at the participants’ own convenience.
- Submit a two-page summary and five questions for each of the two topics.
- To attend each monthly zoom session. There they will meet with lecturer for each topic and discuss the material for ninety minutes.
- To submit examples of their pastoral work for supervised reflection:
- Transcripts from ten counseling sessions with sportspeople
- Teaching notes from five Bible studies they had led for them.
How much does it cost?
An annual registration fee of $250 plus the cost of travel to the annual retreat in Ararat, Virginia (the retreat itself is free). Financial aid is available, if needed.
When will it begin?
The course starts with the next retreat, October 17-20, 2024. Registration opens February 1, 2024.
For more information, please contact the Rev. Dr. Madeline Manning Mims, Oly
Founder and Executive Director, United States Council for Sports Chaplaincy madeline.mims6872@gmail.com