OUR HISTORY

A legacy of impact

Since 2003, Ignite International has leveraged the universal language of sport to impact lives around the world. Across more than a dozen nations, a commitment to serve others has created a legacy of historic firsts, meaningful relationships, and generational impact.

True to the definition of its name—"to start a fire"—Ignite’s story continues to unfold with a long trail of fires lit, hearts changed, and lives transformed by the discovery of purpose.

Historic Moments

Ignite: "To start a fire"

2003

first ignite team

On May 19, 2003, Ignite International was officially incorporated, and just four months later, we embarked on our first service experience—to Puerto Rico.

"There will be many teams who serve with us, but there will never again be a first," our founder Judy Fox reminded the team.

2004

First in Nicaragua

First volleyball group to ever visit Nicaragua from the USA

2005

Firsts in Nicaragua and Russia

  • First collegiate volleyball team from the USA to Nicaragua

  • First athletes to visit Beslan, Russia after the 2004 terrorist attack

  • First sports activity for the orphanage for disabled children in Moscow

  • First sports training seminar for youth ministry leaders in Sochi, Russia.

2006

First in St. Petersburg

First sports training seminar for faith leaders in St. Petersburg, Russia

2007

First Athlete to receive scholarship

  • First Nicaraguan female athlete of any sport to receive a scholarship in the USA

  • First Nicaraguan volleyball player of either gender to receive a scholarship in the USA

2011 and 2013

Firsts in Liberia

  • First athletic team to reenter Liberia after the Civil War

  • First women's soccer team to ever visit Liberia

2014 and 2015

Firsts in Bethlehem and Nicaragua

  • First women's basketball team to visit Nicaragua from the USA

  • First foreigners to provide an activity for the Dheisheh Boy's School

  • First volleyball initiative to empower marginalized females in Bethlehem

2018 to 2025

Strengthening The Foundation

As communities and nations around the world navigated significant challenges and change, Ignite International entered a season of reflection, deepened roots, and renewed clarity.

During this time, the organization strengthened its foundation, expanded its vision through initiatives such as Ignite U1 and PrayerGrams, and began identifying and investing more intentionally in developing leaders who will carry the mission forward.

While the methods continue to evolve, the foundation built over more than two decades remains unchanged: faith, service, and relationships.

Nations Impacted

For more than two decades, Ignite International has partnered with athletes, coaches, educators, sports federations, and community leaders across multiple regions of the world. Each nation represents a unique story and a shared commitment to igniting generational impact through the universal language of sport.

  • Cuba

  • Germany

  • Israel

  • Jamaica

  • Liberia

  • Mexico

  • Nicaragua

  • Palestine

  • Puerto Rico

  • Russia

  • South Africa

  • United States

LOOKING AHEAD

Multiplication In The New Era.

Ignite International was built on a foundation of faith, service, and relationships. As we look ahead, our focus continues to expand beyond creating experiences and toward multiplying the leaders who will create lasting impact in their communities, organizations, and nations.

The mission remains clear. The foundation is unchanging. The opportunity to multiply generational impact has never been greater.

It's time for our people to see that Ignite is not just about teams who come to visit. Ignite is who we are."

Coach Rene

Nicaragua National Volleyball Coach

Become a part of the story

The next chapter in the Ignite story will be written with those who choose to invest in the lives of others.

Our future is not just about what we do or where we go. It is about who we empower to carry it forward.

We invite you to become part of the story.

Multiplying leaders. Strengthening communities. Transforming Nations.

Through the universal language of sport.

EIN 06-1700583

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