Sport at the Service of Humanity Conference
Since its 2016 origins at The Vatican, the Sport at the Service of Humanity (SSH) Conference series has called on faith leaders, sport and athletic pioneers, and academic experts to explore how to combine the passion of sport and values of faith to build a better world. Creighton University is eager to host this year’s conference June 17-19, 2024.
June 17-19, 2024
Creighton University Campus, Mike and Josie Harper Center
602 N 20th St. | Omaha, NE 68178
- Monday, June 17: Opening session begins at 1 p.m. CT
- Tuesday, June 18: All day
- Wednesday, June 19: Conference concludes by 12 p.m. CT
The conference will feature an array of speakers with ties to the local Omaha community as well as national and global stages. Participants will be exposed to a diverse collection of perspectives and experiences and engage in dialogues that can serve as catalysts for transformative action.
Sessions will focus on the theme “Care for the Whole Athlete,” which builds upon SSH’s three foundational pillars: inspiration, or “Sport for Life,” which promotes the importance of values in sport and life through the sharing of ideas and a culture of human encounter; inclusion, or “Sport for All,” which advocates for unity and inclusion in sport regardless of race, gender, ability, or faith; and involvement, or “Sport for Change,” which highlights the transformational power of sport to serve humanity.
Registration
Conference participation is by invitation only. Please register for the conference using the Eventbrite link that was emailed to you.
Questions
For any questions related to the conference, please email SportForHumanity@creighton.edu.
Accommodations
Attendees are encouraged to stay in Creighton’s newest residential building, Graves Hall. Opened in 2023, Graves will serve as a hub of conference activities including Monday’s evening reception and morning wellness activities. Only a brief walk to the Harper Center, this option allows you easy access to conference sessions and a unique, on-campus conference experience. Note: the $70 per night rate includes a private room with bathroom, linens, towels, basic toiletries and access to a 24-hour hospitality room with refreshments and light snacks.
If you prefer to stay in an area hotel, we encourage you to consider the Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel. You may also reserve a room at other locations at the Creighton University rate, by booking here.
Packing Guidance
Average June temperatures in Omaha range from lows in the 60s and highs in the 80s. A summer thunderstorm is not atypical. Business casual attire is appropriate for conference sessions. You are encouraged to pack comfortable attire that showcases your “school spirit” for the Tuesday evening Men’s College World Series reception and game. Don’t forget to bring your exercise gear for morning wellness activities.
Conference Presenters
- Val Ackerman
Commissioner, BIG EAST Conference - Kirsten Bernthal Booth
Head Coach, Creighton University Women's Volleyball - Clete Blakeman
Partner, Carlson Blakeman; Referee, National Football League - Marcus Blossom
McCormick Endowed Athletic Director, Creighton University - David Eades
Former Chief Presenter, BBC World News; Board Chair, Sport at the Service of Humanity Foundation - Rev. Daniel S. Hendrickson, SJ, PhD
President, Creighton University - Matt Hoven
PhD, Peter and Doris Kule Chair of Catholic Religious Education at St. Joseph’s College, University of Alberta - Connor Gandossy
Assistant Baseball Coach, Creighton University - Rev. Bobby Karle, SJ
Founder & Director, Ignatian Spirituality & Yoga - Rev. Patrick Kelly, SJ
Associate Professor of Religious Studies, University of Detroit Mercy - Kyle Korver
Assistant General Manager, Atlanta Hawks, National Basketball Association - Very Rev. George Lucas
Archbishop, Archdiocese of Omaha - Kevin Melcher
Executive Director & Founder, SAVE Program (Students Activities Value Education) - Diane Mendenhall
President, Omaha Supernovas, Pro Volleyball Federation - Jim Pillen
Governor, State of Nebraska - Jason Sacks
President, Positive Coaching Alliance - Renee Saunders
Head Volleyball Coach, Skutt Catholic High School - Chevelle Saunsoci
Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach, Creighton University; Founder, DVLP Basketball - Jean Stothert
Mayor, City of Omaha - Anne Stricherz
Educator and Author, Sports and Spirituality
