FCA is inducting four partners and supporters of the
world’s largest international sports ministry into its Hall of Champions (HOC).
Gary Williamson, Bob Williams, Chang-won Kim, and
Diana Myers have worked tirelessly to further the FCA vision: To see the world transformed by Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches
and athletes. FCA Hall of Champions honorees over the years
have consisted of a mix of coaches, athletes and volunteers, including sports
greats such as Tony Dungy, Tom Landry, Tom Osborne and Roger Staubach, just to
name a few.
“These selfless and giving individuals have not
only made contributions to the sports they love, but also to the communities
and teams to which they are committed,” said FCA President and CEO Shane
Williamson. “We are immensely grateful for their service to Jesus Christ
through FCA, as we honor Diana Myers, Gary Williamson, Chang-won Kim, and Bob
Williams by welcoming them to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes’ Hall of
Champions Class of 2021.”
Gary
Williamson
Gary
has served on and led multiple FCA boards and ministry teams
across the Midlands, South Carolina and Florida. He has been a servant leader
as a Board Chair for multiple years. In order to gain an FCA vision that could be shared with other board members, potential board members
and community leaders, Gary attended camps, huddles and countless events.
Gary
has served the ministry selflessly, opening doors in the Carolinas and Florida
while serving on search teams for Multi-Area directors positions. When he moved
out of the Carolinas after serving for over 25 years, he immediately got
plugged in his local area in Florida. He saw a need and became the board chair
in Pinellas County (Tampa Bay Area).
The
Lord used Gary's gifts of encouragement, positive attitude and humility to keep
the team focused on their calling, vision and mission of FCA.
His servant heart during critical times showed an unwavering heart and
encouragement to staff and board chairs around him.
Gary’s
passion for FCA, as well as the financial, spiritual and
physical support he has provided, have been a blessing to the ministry, and an
encouragement and a model to the new board members and donors that have joined
the team as a result of his efforts.
Bob
Williams
The
first African American to play for the Minneapolis Lakers, Bob was the
co-founder of FCA in Minnesota. A true pioneer, Bob moved into
a predominately white neighborhood and remained active in his community despite
being the minority. Along with FCA, Bob was a deacon in his
local church and involved with the Boys and Girls Club. Bob has also been
inducted into FCA Minnesota’s Hall of Faith.
Bob
passed away at home in Rosemount, Minnesota on January 19, 2021 and is survived
by his wife Marietta.
Chang-won
Kim
Since FCA Korea was established over ten years ago, Chang-won has
been spreading his positive influence and love of the Gospel. A specialist in
rehabilitation medicine, Chang-won has provided support by sending medical
staff to FCA events, as well as participated in FCA sports camps and 3D coach seminars and various events for 10 years.
Since
2017, he has served two consecutive terms as the Chairman of FCA Korea and was awarded TLA Captain of FCA Korea in 2019 and
2020. As the Chairman and as a volunteer, he has made the most donations to FCA Korea to date.
Chang-won
shows a consistent dedication to Jesus Christ and the Word of God, displaying FCA's core values of excellence, integrity, teamwork and service. He does his best to
glorify God in all things, whether it’s at home with his family, through work
or serving His local church.
Diana
Myers
Nearly
all FCA staff know Diana Myers. As the founder of Gifts of
Grace ministry, she helps the team hire staff and assesses their spiritual
gifts. Her passion for helping people understand the gifts God’s given them and
how to best use them has led her to serve some of the most prominent pastors
and leaders of large churches and ministries. Diana previously served as an FCA Trustee, and she has been on numerous boards within FCA's Western Region for more than 20 years.
Diana
has done so many spiritual gifts tests for FCA and is always
willing to come to retreats, participate on phone calls, and conduct new staff
interviews to assess a staff or board member’s gifts.
FCA's Hall of Champions was established in 1991. With the
new 2021 class, there are now 119 godly coaches and athletes plus board members
and volunteers who have received this special tribute. They make up a group of servant-leaders who have faithfully served Christ through the avenue of FCA.
Their commitment to the Lord’s work has impacted many millions over the years.
They are a body of teammates in Christ who have demonstrated a consistent
commitment to the support of FCA, nominated by staff and board
members and elected by a selection committee.
Click here
to read more about the Class of 2021 and to view a list of previous Hall of
Champions inductees.
-FCA-