A local church is celebrating 10 years of its Upward program this year.

Fairview Baptist Tabernacle in Sweetwater began its Upward Sports program, including basketball and cheerleading, during the 2002-2003 season in the gymnasium at Sweetwater High School.

Upward Sports is the world's largest Christian sports league for kids. More than half a million families have participated in Upward leagues throughout the United States and Canada. Upward Basketball has competitive balanced teams, which allows equal playing time for all players. The program also teaches children the fundamentals in a positive manner, encouraging players to have self-confidence and a life-long love for sports.

"Upward Sports is about providing fun sports experiences based on healthy competition," said Janean Watson, the children's ministry director at Fairview Baptist Tabernacle in Sweetwater.

In 2011, the program expanded so much the church moved it into their own clean, modern gym facilities. Last year, more than 200 children participated in the program through Fairview Baptist Tabernacle.

"Fairview's Upward program continues to grow in success," said Janean Watson.

Watson said Upward is a competitive program, which keeps score for all ages except kindergarten.

"Many of the children who have participated in Fairview's Upward program have gone on to play or cheer in local middle and high schools," said Janean Watson.

The Upward Sports program at Fairview offers trained coaches and referees to participants.

"Our coaches have played and/or coached basketball or cheerleading," said Janean Watson. "Many of our Upward coaches also work with children in our local school systems and coach in other sports programs."

Fairview also has interactive halftime shows and an end-of-season awards night. Last year's end-of-season speaker was Bruce Crevier, a four-time Guiness World Records holder.

With the season quickly approaching, Fairview is gearing up for another successful year.

""This year you can expect more prize giveaways, more crowd involvement and for the program to be more competitive, yet still teach kids about Christ," said Fairview's Upward Director David Watson.

The church is excited to be celebrating its 10 year of participation in Upward Sports.

"We are very excited about celebrating 10 years in Upward. We want Upward to be something that the whole family will enjoy," said David Watson. "It has the potential to change the lives of children, their families and the community."

Fairview will hold signups for Upward Sports in their church gymnasium on Thursday, Nov. 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Saturday, Nov. 10, from 9 a.m. to noon.

For more information about the Upward Sports program at Fairview, call 423-337-6208.